I sit, this evening, far away,
  From all I used to know,
And nought reminds my soul to-day
  Of happy long ago.

Unwelcome cares, unthought-of fears,
  Around my room arise;
I seek for suns of former years
  But clouds o'ercast my skies.

Yes--Memory, wherefore does thy voice
  Bring old times back to view,
As thou wouldst bid me not rejoice
  In thoughts and prospects new?

I'll thank thee, Memory, in the hour
  When troubled thoughts are mine--
For thou, like suns in April's shower,
  On shadowy scenes wilt shine.

I'll thank thee when approaching death
  Would quench life's feeble ember,
For thou wouldst even renew my breath
  With thy sweet word 'Remember'!