Classic Poem

1.

Why should the soul for kindness made
Believe that truth and love can fade?
The rose that deck'd Eve's virgin brow,
Adorns my Fanny's bosom now.

2.

Then, grow in beauty, Beauty's child,
And with her daisies wander wild!
For dewdrops brightly seek the sun,
And skyward still the rivers run.

3.

Why should the poet's heart grow cold?
Immortal things are never old:
Still burn the lamps o'er ocean hung,
And song-voic'd ocean still is young.

4.

Then, Bard, let thought be God in thee,
That words of life, from sea to sea,
May sweep all loveless things away;
For not of life, but death, are they.

5.

Why should the pain-paid patriot fear
A slave's or tyrant's frown or sneer?
Though sun-like aims may darkly set,
You, eldest Heav'ns, are youngest yet!

6.

Then, work, still work, ye good and true!
The flowers, in Eden, breath'd of you:
Still write your names in deeds of light!
The heav'ns, of old, proclaim'd your might.