MARY’S HEART.

I know one spot where springs a tide
       Of feeling pure as ever ran,
Man’s path of destiny beside,
       To bless and soothe the heart of man.
By night and noon, be’t dark or bright,

       That fountain plays its blessed part;
And heaven looks happy at the sight
       Of Mary’s heart! of Mary’s heart!

There’s wealth they say in foreign climes,
       And fame for those who dare aspire,

And who that does not sigh betimes,
       For something better, nobler, higher!
But here is all—a golden mine,
       A sea unsailed, a tempting chart;
These, all these may be, nay, are mine—

       The wide, warm world of Mary’s heart! [Page 73]

Blow as ye will, ye winds of fate,
       And let Life’s trials blackly lower;
I know the Garden and the Gate,
       Ye cannot strip my roseate bower.

That safe retreat I still can keep,
       Despite of envy’s venom’d dart;
Despite of all life’s storm, can sleep
       Securely lodged in Mary’s heart! [Page 74]