When first I saw the gleaming crest br Of temp'rance's silver star, br I watch'd it, till its radiance blest br Illum'd the world afar: br It rose in glory, and its rays br Shone bright at morn and even, br And promise gave of happier days br On Earth;-and hopes of Heaven. br br br I marked its glory-beaming light, br As up the heavens it sprung, br While o'er the Earth the clouds of night br No longer darkly hung; br And those bright rays of heavenly birth, br To erring man were given, br To wean his spirit from the Earth, br And point his way to Heaven. br br br Oh! may that bright and shining light br Still beam the wide world o'er, br To guide man's wand'ring footsteps right, br Till time shall be no more. br And then, when death the light of life br From this dull clay has riven, br The soul may soar in glad relief, br To yon bright home in Heaven.