This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

8

CONTRAST.1823.
When by the limpid streamlet's flow
Congenial spirits mingle woe,
Sweet solace doth the margin strow,
        And happiness will dawn.

When sorrow deep retires afar,
To mourn 'neath Vesper's lonely star,
With naught the solitude to mar,
        A calmness doth o'erspread.

But when in pleasure's festive train
The demon of insatiate pain
Unites, the dregs of misery drain,
        And drench the sinking heart.

While grief relentless rends her prey
Hope's happy offspring, blithe and gay.
Laugh, sing, and smile the hours away.
        Replete with social glee.

Then deep is drawn the lengthened sigh,
But no congenial heart is nigh,
And none the falling tear to dry,—
        The tear of deep distress.