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Poems (Sharpless)/Happiness

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For works with similar titles, see Happiness.
4648402Poems — HappinessFrances M. Sharpless

HAPPINESS
He never lived who could o'ertake
Fair Happiness, and buy her favor,
Yet many foolish souls will make
Wreck of their lives, in mad endeavor.

Deaf to your wooing while you plead
And toil her flying footsteps after,
E'en as you grasp her, off she'll speed
And mock you with an elfish laughter.

But make her sister Duty guide,
And follow, deaf to all beguiling,
Coy Happiness stands close beside,
And now the lovely witch is smiling.

She drops her roses at your feet,
And sings, beside your hearth-fire, sitting;
While Duty's austere brow grows sweet;—
And Happiness no more is flitting.