My cousin

have a gentle cousin, A fair and laughing maid,Whose presence is my sunshine, Whose absence is my shade.When sadness o'er my feelings Has thrown its gloomy pall,Her soft and sunny eye-beam Soon banishes it all.She's grander than the lily, And gayer than the rose,As glad as morning sunshine, Yet spotless as the snows;She's gentle as an angel, And trusting as a dove--A brighter earthly being Was never formed to love.