42
life's reverses.
Tor as well may we look for the fresh bloomin' flower
When the heavens withhold both the dew and the shower,
And pour on the panting earth Sol's fiercest rays,
As seek for heart buds where prosperity's blaze,
Perpetu'lly shining, permits no cool breath,
No raindrops to snatch the embryo from death.
In our Tale we've seen much o' life's ups an' life's downs,
The changes o' Fortune, her smiles an' her frowns,
An' learn that true virtue can triumph o'er a',
As the Lees stood, pure diamonds, sans taint-spot or flaw.
In the changed Lady Clara we also behold
How adversity's fire melts the dross from the gold,
Rends the stubborn and windowless temple o' pride,
Till its sanctified rays light the darksome inside.
What royalty's lips once so thankful confess'd,
Still issues from many a deep chastened breast:
"That I was afflicted is blessing to me,"
Oft floats 'neath the roof of our kind Mrs Lee.
When the heavens withhold both the dew and the shower,
And pour on the panting earth Sol's fiercest rays,
As seek for heart buds where prosperity's blaze,
Perpetu'lly shining, permits no cool breath,
No raindrops to snatch the embryo from death.
In our Tale we've seen much o' life's ups an' life's downs,
The changes o' Fortune, her smiles an' her frowns,
An' learn that true virtue can triumph o'er a',
As the Lees stood, pure diamonds, sans taint-spot or flaw.
In the changed Lady Clara we also behold
How adversity's fire melts the dross from the gold,
Rends the stubborn and windowless temple o' pride,
Till its sanctified rays light the darksome inside.
What royalty's lips once so thankful confess'd,
Still issues from many a deep chastened breast:
"That I was afflicted is blessing to me,"
Oft floats 'neath the roof of our kind Mrs Lee.
