LIFE.
141
If falsehood and deceit too soon
Oft cloud the open brow?
Oft cloud the open brow?
Still, though experience sees dismayed
The frightful hues of vice,
Tried steadfast virtue to behold
Is surely worth the price.
The frightful hues of vice,
Tried steadfast virtue to behold
Is surely worth the price.
Virtue presents an angel's mien,
Whatever garb she wears,—
In prince or peasant, court or cot,
Joy, sorrow, smiles, or tears.
Whatever garb she wears,—
In prince or peasant, court or cot,
Joy, sorrow, smiles, or tears.
In youth 'tis lovely, lovelier still
When sorrow dims the page;
Reverence and love at once it claims
When dignified by age.
When sorrow dims the page;
Reverence and love at once it claims
When dignified by age.
To feel, to suffer, yet o'ercome,
The adverse shafts of fate,
And gratefully enjoy the good
We find in every state,—
The adverse shafts of fate,
And gratefully enjoy the good
We find in every state,—
