There is a friend that softens care,
When health and spirit's low,
Requires a heart to feel and share
In either weal or wo.
A cheerful smile is like that star
Which guides the sailor's helm;
And thus the land is seen afar,
Which darkness would overwhelm.
A cheerful heart should be refin'd
With truth and constancy;
Then Bethlehem's Star lights up the mind,
And sets the captive free.
This happy gift when thus possess'd,
Survives the darkest storm;
For this bless'd star lives in the breast,
Then ushers in the morn.
