Classic Poem

What shall I wish for thee? long life on earth,
Or wealth, or pleasure, or the magic power
To wield a sceptre over human hearts,
And make them bow to thee through Life's short hour?

Not so: the joys of earth will fade away;
Its power and pleasure are but bubbles bright;
The longest life may not the happiest be,
And riches on proverbial wings take flight.

But I will wish thee joy at God's right hand,
When earthly scenes have faded from thy view,—
A crown, a harp, a victor palm, for thee,
Where dwell the loving and the pure and true.

May all thou lovest greet thee on the shore
Where God each earth-born tear shall wipe away!
Through future ages may thy pathway gleam
In all the splendor of eternal day!