Classic Poem

“Now dismiss me, while I linger
 For one fond, one dear word more;
Have I done my labor fairly?
 Is there aught against my score?
Have I wronged in all this circle
 One by deed, or word, or blow?—
Silence speaks my full acquittance—
  Nunc dimittis , let me go!

“Let me go, I crave my wages;
 Long I've suffered, long I've toiled;
Never once through work days idle,
 Never once my apron soiled;
To the Chamber , where the Master
 Waits with smiling to bestow
C ORN , and WINE , and OIL abundant,
  Nunc dimittis , let me go!

“Let me go, but you must tarry,
 Till the sixth day's close has come;
Heat and burden patient bear ye
 While you're far away from home;
But a little , for the summons
 Waits alike for each of you;—
Mine is sounding, spirits wait me,
  Nunc dimittis , let me go!

“Oh, the Sabbath day in Heaven!
 Oh, the joys reserved for them,
Faithful Builders of the Temple,
 Type of blest Jerusalem!
Oh, the rapture of the meeting
 With the friends 'twas bliss to know!
Strive no longer to detain me,
  Nunc dimittis , let me go!”

Hushed that voice its fond imploring;
 Faded is that eager eye;
Gone the soul of labor wearied,
 To repose eternally.
But the memory of his service
 Oft shall cheer me as I go,
Till the hour I, too , petition,—
 “ Nunc dimittis , let me go!”