Despair not, though thy course is drear,

The past has pleasures for us all;

Bright scenes and things to hearts most dear,

And those how fondly we recall.

Such as some lovely girl we knew;

Such as some touching song we heard;

Such as some evening spent, when flew

The hours as swift as passing bird.

Such as some well-tried friend we had;

Such as some acts of kindness done,

Yet rising up to make us glad,

And so will rise when years are gone.

Despair not! still be innocent;

Admire the beautiful, the good,

And when the cry of woe is sent,

Turn to relieve, in pitying mood.

So shall the present, when 'tis past,

Rich with harmonious scenes appear,

No gloomy shadows o'er it cast,

No spectres there, to make thee fear.