Puget Sound Herald

PHILOSOPHY FOR THE TIMES.

Let those who will repine at fate,

And droop their heads with sorrow;

I laugh when cares upon me wait,

And know they'll leave to-morrow.

My purse is light, but what of that?

My heart is light to match it!

And if I tear my old coat,

I laugh while I do patch it.

I've seen some elves who call themselves

My friends, in summer weather,

Blown far away, in sorrow's day,

As winds would blow a feather;

I never grieve to see them leave,

(The rascals! who would heed them?)

For what's the use of having friends,

False when you most need them!

I've seen some rich in worldly gear,

Eternally repining;

Their hearts a prey to every fear,

With gladness never shining!

I would not change my lightsome heart

For all their gold and sorrow;

For that's a thing that all their wealth

Can neither buy nor borrow.

And still, as sorrows come to me

(For sorrows sometimes will come)

I find the way to make them flee

Is bidding them right welcome.

They cannot brook a cheerful look—

They're used to sobs and sighing:

And he that meets them with a smile

Is sure to set them flying.