2-982-239 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

English Songs and Melodies - "The Cheerful Heart", 1858. 'The Poetry [lyrics] by Charles MacKay; the Symphonies and Accompaniments by Sir H. R. Bishop; Air, "We Soldiers Drink, We Soldiers Sing"...Though love may claim the sweetest songs, And bards the tender strain prolong; Though friendship evermore inspire The answ'ring echoes of the lyre; Still a theme remains to sing, Fair as sunshine, fresh as spring Rainbow seen when storms depart - The charm of life, the cheerful heart. Should love grow cold, or friendship wane, Tis this can win them back again; And hatred, in its own despite, Will yield and soften in its light. Still around our path it throws Bloom and balm and budding rose; Warmth amid the winter showers, And glory to the summer flowers. And happy shall his portion be, Whatever sorrows he may see, Who, when his daily toils are o'er, Shall meet this blessing at his door; Finding still, where'er he roam, Kindest welcome at his home; Fortune's shield, life's better part, The loving and the cheerful heart'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.