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And every paling leaf and fading flower,
Tells of the coming blast, the wintry hour;
But still a summer gladness seems the while,
On this bright hour to shed a transient smile,
And all—at least to me—looks blithe and gay,
To greet the morn of this, thy natal day!
Dearest, since first with falt'ring tongue I strove
To twine for thee a simple lay of love,
How many a year o'er our old home has passed,
Each borne on swifter pinions than the last!
How many a change has marked with varied hue
Our lot in all—save love still warm and true!
Yes; hand in hand and heart in heart entwined,
We strive 'mid chance and change, true peace to find,
And though each year its cares and sorrows brings,
Yet mercies drop unceasing from its wings,
And we with grateful hearts, whate'er befall,
Must bless the Gracious Hand that gives us all.
Tells of the coming blast, the wintry hour;
But still a summer gladness seems the while,
On this bright hour to shed a transient smile,
And all—at least to me—looks blithe and gay,
To greet the morn of this, thy natal day!
Dearest, since first with falt'ring tongue I strove
To twine for thee a simple lay of love,
How many a year o'er our old home has passed,
Each borne on swifter pinions than the last!
How many a change has marked with varied hue
Our lot in all—save love still warm and true!
Yes; hand in hand and heart in heart entwined,
We strive 'mid chance and change, true peace to find,
And though each year its cares and sorrows brings,
Yet mercies drop unceasing from its wings,
And we with grateful hearts, whate'er befall,
Must bless the Gracious Hand that gives us all.
Belovèd Husband! take once more from me
The only gift that I can bring to thee;—
Deep, heartfelt blessings, many an earnest prayer,
That God may keep thee still with ceaseless care,
Shield thee, and those so dear, from every ill,
And be in life and death thy refuge still;
Till all our kindred group, earth's perils past,
A band unbroken, meet in Heaven at last.
The only gift that I can bring to thee;—
Deep, heartfelt blessings, many an earnest prayer,
That God may keep thee still with ceaseless care,
Shield thee, and those so dear, from every ill,
And be in life and death thy refuge still;
Till all our kindred group, earth's perils past,
A band unbroken, meet in Heaven at last.
E.
October 6, 1845.
