MY HEART AND LUTE.

I give thee all — I can no more —

Tho’ poor the offering be;

My heart and lute are all the store

That I can bring to thee.

A lute whose gentle song reveals

The soul of love full well;

And, better far, a heart that feels

Much more than lute could tell.

Tho’ love and song may fail, alas!

To keep life's clouds away,

At least‘ twill make them lighter pass,

Or gild them if they stay.

And even if Care at moments flings

A discord o'er life's happy strain,

Let Love but gently touch the strings,

‘ Twill all be sweet again!