Three Singers
YOUTH, Hope, and Love were nestling in her heart,
Like three sweet birds that cheered the Summer earth;
In Life's glad chorus taking equal part,
Filling her days with music and with mirth.
The voice of Youth ceased first, the thievish years
Stole one by one its sweetness and its grace,
Instead of happy laughter gave her tears,
And left a darkness in the glory's place.
Then Hope was hushed, grew fainter day by day,
Folded its weary pinions, drooped, and died,
From her lone heart passed silently away,
Its chamber empty, and its portal wide.
Love only of the three still lives and sings,
And lifts her soul to Heaven upon its wings.
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