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THOUGHT FROM AN ITALIAN POET.




Where shall I find, in all this fleeting earth,
    This world of changes and farewells, a friend
That will not fail me in his love and worth,
    Tender, and firm, and faithful to the end?

Far hath my spirit sought a place of rest—
    Long on vain idols its devotion shed;
Some have forsaken whom I loved the best,
    And some deceived, and some are with the dead.

But thou, my Saviour! thou, my hope and trust,
    Faithful art thou when friends and joys depart;
Teach me to lift these yearnings from the dust,
    And fix on thee, th' Unchanging One, my heart!