Classic Poem

We'll set a green sprig here to-night,
To rescue, from the days to come,
Each bright and joyous memory
That henceforth gilds this festive room;
And should occasion e'er require
A token, to recall the place,
These LEAVES will bring to clearest view,
The cheerful thought and sunny face.

We'll set a green and deathless sprig —
Each feat a B ROTHER'S NAME shall have;
And fragrant will th' acacia bloom
When one has left us for the grave;
When one in Temple labor fails,
And golden bowl is broken quite,
How grateful to the sense will be
The green sprig that we set to-night!

We'll set the sprig with every hand, —
Come round, and plant the deathless tree!
There is not one in all this band
But what is marked by destiny;
Death comes to all — how well to know
There is a life beyond this scene,
Whose deathless limit may be read,
O, Brothers, in this sacred green!

We'll set the green sprig deep in love;
We'll water it with sympathy;
We'll give it fond and faithful care,
Nor shall a single leaflet die;
And when the last of this true band,
Death's mighty puissance shall attest,
May those who follow after say,
F AITHFUL AND TRUE, HOW SWEET THEY REST