186
miscellaneous poems.
But Fortune's lustre soon was flown,
Like morning dew;
While thine was like the valued stone,
Nor with it flew;
But in misfortune beam'd more bright,
As the rude steel
Must bring the brilliant gem to light,
Earth's caves conceal.
And who had known the jewel's worth,
'Till they were riven,
Which drinks, ev'n deep beneath the earth,
A beam of Heaven?
Oh, in adversity more dear!
Affection's band
Is drawn more intimately near,
By Grief's rude hand.
The purer bliss, which now we know,
Nought can destroy;
And sweeter 'tis to soothe thy woe,
Than share thy joy.
