Cheer'd by this hope, with patient mind, When death shall set me free. THE OLD MAN'S FUNERAL. I saw an aged man upon his bier : His hair was thin and white, and on his brow A record of the cares of many a year;— Cares that were ended and forgotten now. And there was sadness round, and faces bow'd, And women's tears fell fast, and children wail'd aloud. Then rose another hoary man, and said, In faltering accents, to that weeping train, Why mourn ye that our aged friend is dead? Ye are not sad to see the gathered grain, Nor when their mellow fruit the orchards cast, Nor when the yellow woods shake down the ripen'd mast. "Ye sigh not when the sun, his course fulfill'd, His glorious course, rejoicing earth and sky,— In the soft evening, when the winds are still'd, Sinks where the islands of refreshment lie, And leaves the smile of his departure, spread O'er the warm-color'd heaven and ruddy mountain head. "Why weep ye then for him, who, having run The bound of man's appointed years, at last, Life's blessings all enjoy'd, life's labors done, While the soft memory of his virtues yet Lingers, like twilight hues, when the bright sun is set. "His youth was innocent; his riper age Mark'd with some acts of goodness every day; And, watch'd by eyes that loved him, calm and sage Faded his late-declining years away. Cheerful he gave his being up, and went To share the holy rest that waits a life well spent. "That life was happy; every day, he gave To mock him with her phantom miseries. "And I am glad that he has lived thus long, When his weak hand grew palsied, and his eye Dark with the mists of age, it was his time to die." A chronic disease is one of long duration. MIDNIGHT MEDITATION. WHEN restless on my bed I lie, Still courting sleep, which still will fly,, If hush'd the breeze, and calm the tide, Perhaps that anxious friend I trace, His faithful counsel, tender care, If loud the wind, the tempest high, Toss'd on the deep and swelling wave, SUNDAY EVENING. How shall I praise thee, Lord of light? But heaven is open to my prayer ;— And life and beauty glow around. How shall my thoughts expression find, All lost in thy immensity! How shall I seek, thou infinite Mind, Thy holy presence, God sublime! Whose power and wisdom, love and grace, Are greater than the round of time, Gently the shades of night descend; In all their loveliest robes were dress'd. Yet thou canst turn thy friendly eye Dost claim earth's children for thy own, THE EVENING CLOUD. A CLOUD lay cradled near the setting sun, To whose white robe the gleam of bliss is given, And by the breath of mercy made to roll Right onward to the golden gates of heaven; Where to the eye of faith it peaceful lies, And tells to man his glorious destinies. |