To Louise Poem by Josias Homely

May'st thou be happy—through thy blooming youth,
While fairy visions floating by are deck'd in hues of truth;
And when thy youth is fading—its sweet delusions flee.
And turn to stern realites—still happy may'st thou be.

May'st thou be happy—while the morning hoars
Pass by witli merry minstrelsy, and strew thy patli with flowers ;
And when the tear of evening wets the daisy on the lea,
Thy heart still bath'd in bliasful hope—still happy may'st thou be.

May'st thou be happy — Avhile I in sadness stray,
I would not that one care ofmine to thee should find its way;
And when I raise the wine cup to quaff with reckless glee,
Each care ofmineshall vanish love—if liappy thou mayst be.

May'st thou be happy—while in manful strife,
I'm cast a doom'd and batter'd bark upon the sea of life;
Around me howls the tempest—beneath me roars the sea,
Amidst it all I raise my song—if happy thou may'st be.

May'st thou be happy—when relentless foes
Have crush'd me in the struggle, and darkly life shall close;
Orshould glory crown the banner ofthe valiant and the free,
This is my soul's deep triumph—that happy thou wilt be.