I heard an Angel singing
I heard an Angel singing / When the day was springing:
There is a smile of love,
And there is a smile of deceit,
And there is a smile of smiles
In which these two smiles meet.
And there is a frown of hate,
And there is a frown of disdain,
And there is a frown of frowns
Which you strive to forget in vain,
For it sticks in the heart's deep core
And it sticks in the deep backbone--
And no smile that ever was smil'd,
But only one smile alone,
That betwixt the cradle and grave
It only once smil'd can be;
And, when it once is smil'd,
There's an end to all misery.
I heard an Angel singing / When the day was springing:
Hear the voice of the Bard ! / Who present, past, and future sees;
Three Virgins at the break of day: / `Whither, young man, whither away
Sweet dreams, form a shade / O'er my lovely infant's head!