• Take the world as it is!—there are good and bad in it,
      And good and bad will be from now to the end;
    And they, who expect to make saints in a minute,
      Are in danger of marring more hearts than they ’ll mend.
    If ye wish to be happy ne’er seek for the faults,
      Or you ’re sure to find some thing or other amiss;
    ’Mid much that debases, and much...

  • A Violet in her lovely hair,
    A rose upon her bosom fair!
        But O, her eyes
    A lovelier violet disclose,
    And her ripe lips the sweetest rose
        That ’s ’neath the skies.

    A lute beneath her graceful hand
    Breathes music forth at her command;
        But still her tongue
    Far richer music calls to birth
    Than all the...

  • Though, when other maids stand by,
    I may deign thee no reply,
    Turn not then away, and sigh,—
        Smile, and never heed me!
    If our love, indeed, be such
    As must thrill at every touch,
    Why should others learn as much?—
        Smile, and never heed me!

    Even if, with maiden pride,
    I should bid thee quit my side,
    Take...