codex002489-078v

If You Could.
If you could cast away the pain,
The sorrows and the tears,
And let the joys alone remain
From all departed years;
If you could lay the burden down
And recollect the song,
What think you, would you be as wise
As helpful, or as strong?

If you could lay the burden down
That bows your head at whiles,
Shun every thing that wears a frown,
And live a life of smiles --
Be happy as a child again,
As free from thoughts of care -
Would you appear to others then
More noble or more fair?

Ah no! we all must do our part
And carry all our load,
Rejoiced to share with every heart
The roughness of the road.