Classic Poem

Dear Ella, as you watch the flowers of June,
And wear away the summer days in pain,
Do you not often think of seasons gone,
And wish that childhood's days were back again?

I know you do, — they were such sunny days;
Your happy-girlhood never knew a care;
Sisters and brothers shared your merry plays,
Your parents took of all your pains the share.

How sweet the moments fled! we used to sing
Such joyful melodies! when evening fell
To father's knee your little hand would cling,
And prayers went up to Him we loved so well.

We sang sweet " Mary at the Saviour's tomb, " —
We sang " Thus far the Lord hath led us on, " —
And in dear mother's own domestic room
We kissed good night , and then to bed were gone.

Ah, Ella, there is nothing left like this!
In womanhood there dwell such woe and pain;
Had we but known it was our time of bliss, —
Oh that my children were but young again!

Gray-haired and sad, I meditate to-day,
My tears fast dropping through the lonely hour;
Is there not somewhere, somewhere, far away,
A home where bitter memories come no more?

We do believe there is, we will believe, —
You learned such faith, my daughter, at my knee;
The Holy One, who never can deceive,
Assures us of a blest eternity.

Read it again, — " All tears are wiped away, "
The saints with crowns and harps all radiant stand,
The L AMB sits on the throne, and endless day
And jubilant song pervade the happy Land.

Then bow with patience, Dearest, 'neath your load;
A mighty Saviour waits to be your Guide;
J ESUS the painful pilgrimage hath trod,
Eternal life and light with Him that died.