EYE-BRIGHT. 



CHEERFULNESS. 



A gentle heritage is mine, 



A life of quiet pleasure ; 

 My heaviest cares are but to twine 

 Fresh votive garlands for the shrine 



Where 'bides my bosom's treasure ; 

 I am not merry, nor yet sad, 

 My thoughts are more serene than glad. 



I have outlived youth's feverish mirth, 

 And all its causeless sorrow ; 



My joys are now of nobler worth, 



My sorrows too have holier birth 

 And heavenly solace borrow ; 



So, from my green and shady nook. 



Back on my by-past life I look. 



The past has memories sad and sweet, 



Memories still fondly cherished, 

 Of love that blossomed at my feet, 

 Whose odors still my senses greet, 



