100 FELICIA HEMANS. For at thy heart the ever-pointed thorn How tenderly Doth Nature draw her curtain round thy rest! Interpreted. FELICIA HEMANS. Therefore, we will not say Farewell to thee; for every unborn age The sage shall greet thee with his benison, And the young child shall take thee by the hand 101 AN INVITATION. BY WILLIS GAYLORD CLARK. "They that seek me early shall find me.". COME, while the blossoms of thy years are brightest, And joy's pure sunbeams tremble in thy ways; Come, while sweet thoughts, like summer-buds unfolding, Waken rich feelings in the careless breast, While yet thy hand the ephemeral wreath is holding, Soon will the freshness of thy days be over, And thy free buoyancy of soul be flown; Their looks of kindness will be lost to thee; AN INVITATION. Come, while the morning of thy life is glowing, Ere the gay spell which Earth is round thee throwing, Life hath but shadows, save a promise given, Then will the crosses of this brief existence The spirit lingers in unclouded bliss, Though o'er its dust the curtained grave is closing; Who would not, early, choose a lot like this? 103 |