How fading are the joys we dote upon!
Like apparitions seen and gone;
But those which soonest read more

How fading are the joys we dote upon!
Like apparitions seen and gone;
But those which soonest take their flight
Are the most exquisite and strong;
Like angel's visits short and bright,
Mortality's too weak to bear them long.

The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world's joy.

The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world's joy.

Great joy, especially after a sudden change of circumstances, is apt to be silent, and dwells rather in the heart read more

Great joy, especially after a sudden change of circumstances, is apt to be silent, and dwells rather in the heart than on the tongue.

Joys too exquisite to last,
And yet more exquisite when past.

Joys too exquisite to last,
And yet more exquisite when past.

My plenteous joys,
Wanton in fullness, seek to hide themselves
In drops of sorrow.

My plenteous joys,
Wanton in fullness, seek to hide themselves
In drops of sorrow.

Shared joys make a friend, not shared sufferings.

Shared joys make a friend, not shared sufferings.

Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow

Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow

Warm weather fosters growth: cold weather destroys it. Thus a man with an unsympathetic temperament has a scant joy: but read more

Warm weather fosters growth: cold weather destroys it. Thus a man with an unsympathetic temperament has a scant joy: but a man with a warm and friendly heart overflowing blessings, and his beneficence will extend to posterity.

Joy has this in common with pain, that it robs people of reason.

Joy has this in common with pain, that it robs people of reason.