Classic Poem

We hail, dear youth, thy Natal Day,
And hope Life's varied hours may run,
That Virtue's mild unclouded ray
May gild its close—thy setting sun.
And Cestria's grateful sons shall see
Thy virtues deck the shores of Dee.

And now where Science shows her store,
O treasure well the precept sage;
And find in Time's collected lore
Thy manhood's guide—the bliss of age;
And Cestria's, &c.

So shall thy years with peace be blest—
Thy name, the voice of Praise employ—
Thy country share thy patriot breast;
Her rising hope—her future joy.
And Cestria's, &c.

Know too, (for so decrees the Just,
In glowing line and page inspired),
That Fortune's boons are but in trust,
“Where much is stored, there's much required.”
And Cestria's, &c.

For this, a Parent's paths pursue,
There fixed the fairest theme has stood,
The hallowed strain we now renew,
“That to be great is to be good.”
And Cestria's, &c.

We close with hope this happy Day—
That Time may long its joys renew;
That Fame may hence with pride display
Thy annals to a Nation's view.
And Cestria's grateful sons shall see
Thy virtues deck the shores of Dee.