  ESTEEM and CONFIDENCE. Some little token of regard, You wish from me to claim; But as time is pressing hard, I will but write my name. He who does good to another, does also good to himself—not only in the act, but in the consciousness of well-doing is his reward. In the evening of life, cherish the remembrance of one who loved thee in its morning. Speak of me kindly when life’s dreams are o’er; Speak of me gently when I am no more. Safely down Life’s ebbing tide, May our vessels smoothly glide, And anchor side by side—in heaven. That Hope and you, Bright days will view. Guard well thy thoughts; our thoughts are heard in heaven. May He who hath pencilled the leaves with beauty, given the flowers their bloom, and lent music to the lay of the timid bird, graciously remember thee in that day when He shall gather His jewels. From memory’s leaves, I fondly squeeze Three little words— Forget Me Not. A long life, and a happy one; A tall man, and a jolly one— Like—well—you know who! From form to form, and nothing stands; They melt like mist, the solid lands, Like clouds they shape themselves and go. But in my spirit will I dwell, And dream my dream and hold it true; For though my pen doth write adieu, I cannot say for aye farewell. God’s love and peace be with thee, when Soe’r this soft Autumnal air Lifts the dark tresses of thy hair. Thou lack’st not friendship’s spellword, nor The half-unconscious power to draw All hearts to thine by Love’s sweet law. With such a prayer, on this sweet day, As thou mayest hear and I may say, I greet thee, dearest, far away. This Album’s a mansion which offers its best, To the friends who have written their thoughts, And the banquet is spread with festal fare, Where guests mingle enjoyment with rest; And they leave their memorials under thy roof, Sometimes in sorrow, more oft in joy divine, Nor think a single thought quite good enough, To measure its faintest pulse with thine. |
|
