"The Playful Pets"

Sure never yet were pets so sleek,

So full of sportive play;

With them the gentle Marian

Will while the hours away.

Ah! childhood has a happiness

To other years unknown,

A joy it finds in slightest things,

A word, a look, a tone!

To it of brighter worlds above

Dim glimpses oft are given—

Alas! that age, which wisdom gains,

Should draw us down from Heaven.