IS THIS A DAY OF DEATH?

Is this a day of death? The heavens look blithely on the laughing earth, And from her thousand vales a voice of mirth And melody is springing; with the breath Of smiling flowers that lift their joyous heads, Bright with the radiant tears which evening sheds. Hath sorrow’s voice been heard With her low plaint, and broken wail of wo?— Hark to the play of waves!—and glancing now Forth from his leafy nest the exulting bird Pours his wild carol on the fragrant gale, Bidding the sunbright woods and waters hail! Hath happiness departed From this glad scene? Is there a home—a hearth Made desolate? Alas! the tones of earth Sound not in concert with the broken-hearted! Yon sea—the gorgeous sun—the azure sky— Were never meant to mourn with things that die!