BRIGHT FLOWERS FOR HER I LOVE.

BRIGHT flowers for her I love Yes, flowers rich and rare, The rose-bud and the violet To grace her golden hair; Yet nature's gems—though beautiful And pure and bright they be— Are not so fair as she I love, Or beautiful to me. Rare gems for her I love! All sparkling in their light, A diadem to grace that brow So beautifully bright; Yet earthly crowns must fade— Immortal crowns above Alone are worthy to be sought By her I fondly love. Music for her I love! Melodiously low, Breathed soft from harps whose golden strings With songs of rapture glow; Such music as the angels make In worlds of light above— Such music would I have to cheer The heart of her I love. And peace for her I love! The peace religion brings, Renouncing fleeting, transient joys For bright and heavenly things; Let happiness be hers, And heaven her rest above; May this, my prayer, accepted rise For her I truly love.