Poems (Hornblower)/Sonnet, to my Father
SONNET,TO MY FATHER.
Sleep on, my father! and may rest as sweet Gild the calm hours of life's serene decline!From the world's cares a soft and blest release, Henceforth in home's dear shelter shall be thine! What though thy name in courts and nations shineWith brighter radiance than in youth's proud hour.And thou art gifted with an earthly dower Of spotless fame—yet dost thou not repineAmidst thy children to repose at last, While filial hands the tender homage bring Of love unfading, and the offeringWhich will be green when summer hours are past—Oh long, my father! these dear cares to prove,May thy smile guide us on our toils of love!