“REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO DO REJOICE.”

Ye whom I fondly loved! my dearest joys Were treasured up in you; And a bright store of cherish’d earthly bliss, The future brought to view; ’Twas an illusive scene—that picture fair Hope’s rainbow pencil drew; Those Eden bowers have faded, and those walks Where brightest flowers grew, Now echo not the sound of lightsome steps; Those flowers, pale and few, Close up their faded petals mournfully, Nor drink the balmy dew; But I—I will no longer vainly droop O’er such a scene as this; For I am blest, ye happy shining ones! In all your blessedness! Ye were the idols of my secret heart, Enshrined and worshiped there; And I, well pleas’d with my dear household gods, Found earth too bright and fair; No cloud seem’d gathering in gloomy wrath, To tell the storm was near; It came, as comes the midnight lightning’s flash, With sudden lurid glare; And left as dark a night within the heart, And chill’d the soul with fear; Gone is the altar of my idol love, No burning fires are there; But I—I gaze where beams th’ eternal sun Of bright celestial bliss; For I rejoice, ye glorious shining ones! In all your joyfulness!