Reader, dost thou seek to know What it is that lies below? Ah! a gift, Mortality Left too short a time with me. 'Twas a pearl of virtue true, And a rose of freshest hue, Gold of faultless purity, Crimson of shy modesty, Crystal clear of self-control, Emerald of the chastest soul, Ruby of a wedded heart, Opal of sweet household art, Sun among all women bright, To one man his heart's delight, To her home a fence secure, In distress its pillar sure, Busy hand in daily toil, Cooling breeze in life's turmoil, Sugar in the bitter day, Medicine charming pain away, Friendship in the hour of need, Truth till death in very deed. |