the tears unbidden start.
Though they ring so loud and clear,
Flinging gladness far and wide,
They to me recall the year,
When our darling Cora died.

The Violet.

Little simple violet,
Glittering with dewy wet,
Hidden by protecting grass
All unheeded we should pass
Were it not the rich perfume,
Leads us on to find the bloom
Which so modestly does dwell,
Sweetly scenting all the dell.

Simple little violet;--
Lessons I shall ne'er forget
By thy modest mien were taught,--
Rich in peace,--with wisdom fraught.
Oft I've laid me down to rest,
With thy blossoms on my breast;
Screen'd from noontide's sunny flood,
By some monarch of the wood.

I have thought and dreamed of thee,
Clad in such simplicity;
Yet so rich in fragrance sweet,
That exhales from thy retreat;
And I've seen the gaudy flower
Blest alone with beauty's dower;--
Have looked,--admired,--then bid them go,--
Violet,--I love thee so.

Rival, thou hast none to fear,
For to me thou art most dear;--
Buttercups and daisies vie,
'With thy charms to please the eye,
Roses red and lillies white,
All enchanting to the sight;
Yield me joys sincere, but yet
Thou'rt my favorite,--Violet.

Repentant.

Oh lend me thy hand in the darkness,
Lead me once more to the light,
Bear with my folly and weakness,
Point me the way to do right.
Long have I groped in the shadow
Of error, temptation and doubt,
In the maze I've strayed hither and thither,
Vainly seeking to find a way out.

When I grasp thy firm hand in the darkness,
Courage takes place of my fear;
No more do I shudder and tremble,
When I know that my loved one is near.
From sorrow and trouble, oh, lead me;--
From dangers that sorely affright,
Till at last every terror shall leave me,
And I rest in thine own loving light.

Rest! Aye, rest! If I have thy forgiveness,
If thy strong arm about me is twined;
Let the past, like a horrible vision,
Be for ever cast out of thy mind.
When I wilfully all my vows slighted,
And sought joy in a glittering sin,
I found but two lives that were blighted,
Two hearts filled with ruin within.

Oh, take me again to thy bosom,
With a kiss, tho' it be on my brow;
And forgive one who wayward and sinful,
Ne'er knew how she loved thee till now.
And keep me away from the darkness,
Let thy hand lead me on evermore,
Let me cling to thee, bless thee, and love thee,
As no loved one was e'er