• Life's sunniest hours are not without The shadow of some lingering doubt-- Amid its brightest joys will steal Spectres of evil yet to feel-- Its warmest love is blent with fears, Its confidence a trembling one-- Its smile--the harbinger of tears-- Its hope--the change of April's sun! A weary lot--in mercy given, To fit the chastened soul for heaven.

    John Greenleaf Whittier: Life's sunniest hours are not without
The shadow of some lingering doubt--
Amid its brightest joys will steal
Spectres of evil yet to feel--
Its warmest love is blent with fears,
Its confidence a trembling one--
Its smile--the harbinger of tears--
Its hope--the change of April's sun!
A weary lot--in mercy given,
To fit the chastened soul for heaven.