Beneath her father's roof we see them next,
And at the altar plight their faith — each heart
By love firm bound, and yet by love left free.
The years roll by and for the staff of life
They live on love. They need conveniences,
And love provides them all. Their luxuries
Are daily feasts of love. There are some days
When, overcome by care and household toils,
Her heart is faint, but when she seeks his side
She meets love's sweet caress and cheering kiss,
And wonders that her spirits ever drooped.
He never leaves her side but with a kiss,
And, when they meet again, he clasps her form
And plants love's token on her waiting lips.
Would'st thou the secret know, of happy homes?
‘ Tis gallantries like these that make them so.
At times when prostrate on her bed she lays,
She makes sad inroads on his stock of wealth;
Still, freely, lavishly he gives it her,
And wooes her back to health again, thro’ love.
About the hearth a troop of children comes,
And as he soothes and cheers their restless hearts,
His garnered wealth, like snow, fast melts away.
The mine can be depended on no more;
Old age creeps on apace, and in his heart
He feels the strained timbers giving‘ way.
He feeds now on the wealth in other days
Invested where‘ twould bring a safe return.
With tottering steps yet proud he walks the streets,
And still has smiles for everyone he meets.