Classic Poem

It was a happy day
That brought my feet this way,
And stopped me at this hospitable door;
Parting, I'll not forget
T' acknowledge friendship's debt,
Now that I go, to see these walls no more.

There is no such thing as chance,
God rules the circumstance, —
H E guided me, a stranger in this land;
Intending good that day
H E led my feet this way,
And joined my hand with this fraternal hand.

With Christian courtesy stored,
Gentle in deed and word,
Generous with all the Master doth bestow,
Modest and kind and true, —
This eulogy is due
To him whose roof-tree gives me welcome now.

A blessing on him rest!
I seek the distant West;
But I can never sail so far, or fast,
But that my instant prayer
Shall find him even there,
And crown him with good wishes to the last.