Stanzas

I LOVE the music of the wave,

I love the night wind’s song;

I love to hear the storm king cheer

His frenzied host along;

I love all nature’s thrilling tones,

I love the notes of art—

But better far, than all, I love

The music of the heart.

I love the tints of beauty laid

Softly on leaf and flower;

The trembling light that gilds the night,

And wraps the midnight hour;

I love the sunny warmth and light

From the glad sunbeams stole—

But better far, than all, I love

The beauty of the soul.

I prize all heaven’s precious gifts,

Laid on the earth or sea;

The lowliest flower that decks life’s bower

Is beautiful to me:

I value every ray of light

That gleams below—above;

But, oh! I value more than these

The smiles of those I love.