A SONG .

Joy stood upon my threshold mild and fair,
With lilies in her hair;
I bade her enter as she turned to go,
And she said, " No. "

Fortune once halted at my ruined porch,
And lit it with her torch;
I asked her fondly, " Have you come to stay? "
She answered, " Nay. "

Fame robed in spotless white before me came;
I longed her kiss to claim;
I told her how her presence I revered.
She disappeared!

Love came at last — how pure, how sweet!
With roses at her feet.
I begged her all her bounty to bestow —
She answered, " No. "

Since then Joy, Fortune, Love and Fame
Have come my soul to claim;
I see them smiling everywhere,
But do not care.