Classic Poem

If there be lacking anything within this starry group, —
If there is place for other grace amidst the radiant troupe, —
I'll not go back on history's track to find a model clear, —
But crave your light, dear ladies bright, who grace my birthday here;
And so I'll fill the measure of the Eastern Star !

The sparkling eye, the fairy form, they shall my muse inspire;
The singing tongue, the sacred song, awake my humble lyre;
The tripping feet in mazes fleet their mystic spell shall cast,
And all shall say, " The present day is better than the past! "
And so I'll add new splendor to the Eastern Star !

From mothers here and maidens dear I'll borrow many a grace, —
In all this earth there is no worth like that a woman has;
Last at the Cross , — in lingering hope by Jesus, the adored;
First at the Grave , — in eager haste to magnify their Lord;
From these I'll take fresh brilliance for the Eastern Star !

In each home circle, where the wife keeps household lamp alight, —
From sister's vigilant eye that guides the brother's steps aright, —
From mother's knee where childhood learns its one effectual prayer, —
If I indeed a lesson need I'll find that lesson there,
And it will give rare glory to the Eastern Star .

Lastly, I'll seek the happy dead, — that grave, I know it well,
How fondly loved my Ella was, ah me, no words can tell, —
I know the answer that will come from yon bright maiden blest,
" They who with J ESUS suffer here shall have eternal rest. "
This overfills the radiance of the Eastern Star .

No more than this is earthly bliss, — but might I dare look up,
If in the immortal mansions I might place one daring hope,
'Tis that th' All-wise will realize this fond attempt of mine
With beaming LIGHT ineffable, with endless L IFE divine,
And so unto His glory I devote the Eastern Star .