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NCE more, my love, once more, though faintThe poet's fire that erst so bright could burn,
Yet must I strive to greet the joyful morn
That sees Thy natal day's return.
For though how changed since youth and health were mine,
When every hour its own delight could bring,
When o'er the past a mellowed light could shine,
And hope to greet the future spring!
When every hour its own delight could bring,
When o'er the past a mellowed light could shine,
And hope to greet the future spring!
Yet 'mid the clouds that shade our noontide day,
The cares and griefs which seem our portion here,
One joy remains to glad mine onward way,
One light that darkened sky to cheer.
The cares and griefs which seem our portion here,
One joy remains to glad mine onward way,
One light that darkened sky to cheer.
Oh! thankful must I be for that deep love,
Which changes not as changing years pass on,
But only seems a purer faith to prove,
When all that gave it birth is gone.
Which changes not as changing years pass on,
But only seems a purer faith to prove,
When all that gave it birth is gone.
For if I loved thee in the joyous time
Of life's bright dayspring, its unclouded skies,
It is when conscious of her fading prime,
That woman love like thine can prize.
Of life's bright dayspring, its unclouded skies,
It is when conscious of her fading prime,
That woman love like thine can prize.
