All the past is not worth one today.

And the smile that is worth the praises of earth is the smile that shines through tears.

I was as pure as the morning When I first looked on your face; I knew I never could reach you In your high, exalted place.

Oh! not for the great departed, Who formed our country's laws, And not for the bravest-hearted, Who died in freedom's cause, And not for some living hero To whom all bend the knee, My muse would raise her song of praise - But for the man to be.

It is never too late to begin rebuilding, Though all into ruins your life seems hurled; For see! how the light of the New Year is gilding The wan, worn face of the bruised old world.

Laugh, and the world laughs with you: Weep, and you weep alone. For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth, But has trouble enough of its own.

I think of death as some delightful journey that I shall take when all my tasks are done.