‘He prayeth best who loveth best

A ship that cuts the dashing waves,And weathers every gale.What life is like a sailor’s life,So free, so bold, so brave?His home the ocean’s wide expanse,A coral bed his grave.’

Gayly the wood-birds sing,Flowers are blooming fair.‘But, deep in the dark, cold rock,Sadly I dwell,Longing for thee, dear friend,Lily-Bell! Lily-Bell!’‘Through sunlight and summer airI have sought for thee long,Guided by birds and flowers,And now by thy song.‘Thistledown! Thistledown!O’er hill and dellHither to comfort theeComes Lily-Bell.’

Happy children, fresh and rosy,Sang and sported freely there,Often turning friendly glances,Where, neglectful of them all,On his bed among the gray rocks,Mused the pale child, little Paul.For he never joined their pastimes,Never danced upon the sand,Only smiled upon them kindly,Only waved his wasted hand.Many a treasured gift they bore him,Best beloved among them all.Many a…

I do love herLike a brother;Just to rideIs my delight,For she does notKick or bite,’

Golden shadows like soft blessingsO’er a quiet little bed,Where a pale face lay unheedingTender tears that o’er it fell;No sorrow now could touch the heartOf gentle little Nell.Ah, with what silent patient strengthThe frail form lying thereHad borne its heavy load of grief,Of loneliness and care.Now, earthly burdens were laid down,And on the meek young…

On the rippling waves, that brightly flowBeneath the flowering vines.Awake! Awake! for the low, sweet chantOf the wild-birds’ morning hymnComes floating by on the fragrant air,Through the forest cool and dim;Then spread each wing,And work, and sing,Through the long, bright sunny hours;O’er the pleasant earthWe journey forth,For a day among the flowers.Awake! Awake! for the…