Love's benediction

Thou art a beauteous flow'r,

So fond, so frail, so fair!

I gaze on thee, and sadness

Steals o'er me unaware.

Born but to drink the sunshine,

Born for the realms beyond,

How canst thou bear life's turmoil,

So frail, so fair, so fond!

May summerwinds caress thee

And strew thy way with flow'rs!

No winter wind distress thee,

And sunbeams gild thine hours.

I fain would lay my fingers

Upon thy yellow hair,

Praying, that Heav'n preserve thee

So frail, so fond, so fair.