Would some little joy to-day 
Visit us, heart! 
Could it but a moment stay, 
Then depart, 
With the flutter of its wings 
Stirring sense of brighter things. 

Like a butterfly astray 
In a dark room; 
Telling:--Outside there is day, 
Sweet flowers bloom, 
Birds are singing, trees are green 
Runnels ripple silver sheen. 

Heart! we now have been so long 
Sad without change, 
Shut in deep from shine and song 
Nor can range; 
It would do us good to know 
That the world is not all woe. 

Would some little joy to-day 
Visit us, heart! 
Could it but a moment stay, 
Then depart, 
With the luster of its wings 
Lighting dreams of happy things, 
O sad my heart!