I drew a picture long ago—
A picture of a sullen sea;
A picture that I value now
Because it clears Life's mystery.

My sea was dark and full of gloom;
I painted rocks ...  [+]

The rising sun had crowned the hills,
And added beauty to the plain;
O grand and wondrous spectacle!
That only nature could explain.

I stood within a leafy ...  [+]

I said a thoughtless word one day,
A loved one heard and went away;
I cried: "Forgive me, I was blind;
I would not wound or be unkind."
I waited long, but all in vain,
To win my loved ...  [+]

Again my fancy takes its flight,
And soars away on thoughtful wing,
Again my soul thrills with delight,
And this the fancied theme, I sing,
From Earthly scenes awhile, I find release, ...  [+]