Page:The Clergyman's Wife.djvu/30

With every storm the tree but higher sprang,
As nearer heaven it strove to rise,
While birds of hope amid its foliage sang
Their cheerful anthems to the skies.
Well pleased, the Lord of the great vineyard saw
That tree obedient to his will,
And bade his angels guard it evermore
From gales too rude, from every ill!

And when for many years its boughs have flung
Protecting shade, a refuge sweet,
O'er hundreds of the loved ones, old and young,
Who fondly gather round its feet;
While every heart with grateful love expands,
Thanksgivings from all voices rise,
He'll bid his angel host, with gentlest hands,
Transplant that tree to paradise!

Far distant be that hour! O'er this rejoice!
Devoted wife and children dear!
And friends and kindred, all, with blended voice,
Call blessings on his opening year!
Let sorrow, cares, be all forgot to-night,
In honor of this natal day;
With cloudless hearts and brows let all unite,
And homage to our father pay!