Question

which best describes the tone that the first stanza of "A Psalm of Life" sets for the rest of the poem

Answer 1

Its a.. just trust me

Answer 2

I would say that the words which can best describe the tone of this poem are : cheerful and lighthearted.  Henry Wadsworth  set cheerful mood from the very beginning of the story to inspire its readers to live actively. The main word ''life'' he percieves as the most powerful feeling that brings happiness and freedom to a reader. Many critics also define this poem as a "lesson of endurance".
Hope I helped!