Classic Poem

I.

Oft in a smooth and equal flow
The brook unruffled glides,
When shapeless is the depth below,
And rugged are the sides:
So life may seem to pass away,
Without a pang or smart,
The laugh be loud, the look be gay,
But comfortless the heart.

II.

By workings small repeated oft,
Those sides were rugged made,
The very waves that seem so soft,
Contributed their aid:
So too, by frequent, gradual toil,
A heart is worn away,
The effort which produced that smile,
Has lent its help to slay.