1833

Know'st thou not all germs of evil In thy heart await their time Not thyself, but God's restraining Stays their growth of crime Couldst thou boast, O child of weakness O'er the sons of wrong and strife Were their strong temptations planted In thy path of life God! if Thou art living, hear us Thus the weak ones pray. Thou, the patient Heaven upbraiding Spake a solemn Voice within Weary of our Lord's forbearance Art thou free from sin Fearless brow to Him uplifting Canst thou for His thunders call Knowing that to guilt's attraction Evermore they fall A beautiful and happy girl With step as light as summer air Eyes glad with smiles, and brow of pearl Shadowed by many a CARELESS CURL Of unconfined and flowing hair A seeming child in everything Save thoughtful brow and ripening charms As Nature wears the smile of Spring When sinking into Summer's arms