Poems (Howard)/Song
For works with similar titles, see Song.
Song—A Merry Heart.
O a merry heart! it doeth good, And like a panacea is Whose properties once understood, How strange! that anybody should Disdain this best of remedies.
For a merry heart, like a medicine, Relieves distress, and lightens care; A rift of sunshine that, let in Where melancholy long hath been, Will counteract and cheat despair.
A merry heart and a smiling face That not a cloud nor frown doth know, May penetrate some lowly place Where its serene, reflective grace Shall make the live-long day aglow.
O a merry heart goes hand in hand With a light, elastic tread, as free As the air one breathes of his native land, Or breezes wafted o'er the strand From spicy islands of the sea.
A merry heart is the "mind-cure" true! For it brings the strength and vigor back To invalids, that erst they knew, And quickly gives of the rose's hue To pallid cheeks the bloom they lack.
A merry heart an index is Of that sweet peace, whose sure control Evokes from Life's discordancies Such wonderful sweet harmonies As might enchant a seraph soul.