"Keep thy heart with all diligence"

'Tis said that hearts have albums. On their pageStrong Memory writeth with a diamond pen,And Hope and Fancy throw their pencil tints,And Love his bright creations. It were rashTo trust such tablet to the careless hand,For Vanity's inscription. Blot or stainWere fearful there, since pausing PenitenceMust with her bitter waters cleanse it out.—The deep impressions on those mystic leavesPossess mysterious power. Back they recallFrom time's dim sepulchre lost Friendship's smile,Bid Grief's long-slumbering tides suffuse the eyeOr wake the cold pulse to the thrill of joy.—Guard thy heart's Album. Of its slightest traceWho knoweth the full import? It may helpTo fashion motive, and to color fate;Nor canst thou tell how strong a thread it weaves

Into the web of deathless destinyTill at that solemn audit thou dost standWhere deed and thought shall find their perfect weight,And just reward.