Deeply hidden in a woodland, Is a fountain pure and sweet; Its depths are placid and serene, With mossy brim of velvet sheen, Where fairies love to dance, I ween, And fabled wood-nymphs meet.
The deepest shadows linger Within this silvan nook; And scarcely can a sunbeam bright, Or twinkling watcher of the night, Or the moon's soft bewitching light Upon its surface look.
Each grand old forest monarch A silent sentry stands; 'And far above its waters deep, Where mirrored beauties ever sleep, Its cloistered secrecy to keep, They clasp their leafy hands.
A group of pleasure-seekers Once sought this cool retreat, When, through the over-hanging trees, The gently-sighing summer breeze Sang softly, tuneful melodies In whispers low and sweet.
And one, a brown-eyed maiden, Was building castles bright; Far into the future glancing, Giving us views entrancing, While over us all were dancing The shadows flecked with light.
Beside her, on a grassy mound, Reclined a handsome youth; And he the untried future scanned, And for himself a pathway planned,— A bright career, a life-work grand, Wealth, happiness, forsooth.
And we who sat and listened Were dreaming, too, the while— Youth's dreams, so fair and flowery— Of love, the old, old story; Or heights of fame and glory, And fickle Fortune's smile.
Ah, nevermore will come again The brightness of those years! Those halcyon days are vanished all! The pictures which our hearts recall— We see each cherished structure fall, Through unavailing tears.
And now, how gladly would we seek The well of "Loch Maree," And in its mystic waters kind Leave all our fretting cares behind; A cure for all life's trials find,— Peace and humility.
O give us faith to look beyond The fleeting things we see! When fever-fires our hearts are burning, From maddening paths of folly turning, The truer aims of life discerning, Our God we come to thee!
