Merry's Book of Puzzles

’Tis found in our troubles, ’tis mixed with our pleasures,

’Tis laid up above with our heavenly treasures;

“’Tis whispered in heaven, and ’tis muttered in hell,”

And it findeth a place in each sybilline spell;

In Paradise nestled, ’mid Eden’s fair flowers,

It has sported with Eve in rose-perfumed bowers;

’Tis muttered in curses, yet breathed in our prayers;

From the path of our duty it tempts us in snares.

Deep, deep in our hearts you will find it engraved;

Though in misery sunk, yet from sin it is saved.

’Tis found in the stream that flows on to the ocean;

Though in bustle forever, ’tis ne’er in commotion.

’Tis wafted afar o’er the land in each breath;

In the grave ’tis decaying—you’ll find it in death.

It is floating away on the broad stream of time,

Yet it findeth a place in eternity’s clime.

In the legends of nations it holdeth a place;

There’s no charm without it to the beautiful face.

In thunder you’ll hear it, if closely you listen;

In moonbeam and sunbeam forever ’twill glisten.

In the dew-drop it sparkles; ’tis found in the forest;

It whispers in peace when our need is the sorest.