The precious joys of a new found love

Can lift the spirit and delight the heart

As though a gift bestowed by heav’n above,

On opening, did ecstasy impart.

Such radiance of eye now smites the sight!

All earthly colors rich beyond compare!

All future promise, darkness dare not blight—

Wondrous gladness rising on the air!

But many prizes wear not well with time;

Fair baubles treasured soon may common grow

As every pleasure here once deemed sublime,

With daily measure, loses luster’s glow.

Gifts of gilt and glitter dull with time’s decay—

While those of merit shine more bright each day.