Page:Poems Gifford.djvu/101

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Time will bring us its changes, we both shall grow older,
But ne'er may the pleasure of meeting grow colder;
As increasing years shall new interests claim
We'll broaden our sympathy, heighten our aim.

It seems a long while since the last time we met,
Say, cannot you possibly come again yet?
Come just when you will, and in fair or foul weather,
Whatever betide we'll be happy together.

TO A FRIEND. With a Bible as a Wedding Gift.

I fain would send thee some fit offering,
 Some welcome gift, that time cannot impair,
Something for constant service, yet a thing
 Of choicest beauty, exquisite and rare.

But costliest gifts of silver and of gold
 I cannot give; nor e'en by such as these
Can my large wish for thee be fully told,
 However fully perfectly they please.

And so I send this well-known casket,—plain,
 But stored with Jewelry of priceless worth,
To be admired again and yet again,
 To serve thee still when fail the things of earth.

Tarnished may grow the casket, yet its store
 For ever some new splendour will reveal;
It needs must satisfy thee more and more,
 As years shall constantly fresh gems unseal.

Ne'er shalt thou weary of its varied charms,
 Through cloud and sunshine it shall gladden thee;
It hath a spell to calm all vague alarms,
 It shall thy heart uplift, and make thee free.

I greet thee therefore as a happy bride,
 Wishing all richest joy for thee and thine;
And send with love at this glad loving-tide
 This precious token of the love divine