Poems (Louisa Blake)/Address to a Ring

ADDRESS TO A RING.
Yes, little glittering pledge, my ring!
I love to watch thy emerald's glow,
Thou wert given me in childhood's spring,
And life shone bright, as ye do now;
Then dreams of bliss shone in my eye,
And danced in joyous gayety.

My ring! 't is not thy gold I prize
Nor pearls that wreath thy glittering gem,
Though it in dazzling lustre vies
To eclipse a regal diadem,
Oh, no! 't is this which memory brings
To hallow friendship's offerings;

But fond dreams fade, and friendships die,
And love, and honor pass away,
E'en proud ambition soars on high
To fall a victim to decay,
And, ring, perchance you will but linger
To grow dim on death's icy finger.