THE MOTHER SUMMONED.
"The feast of life is sweet,
I am no weary guest,
Loving friends my presence greet,
And all that charms the eye or ear,
Taste to please, or heart to cheer,
Earth, sky, and ocean gather here—
God's care be blest.
'Tis scarce the hour of prime,
But how the sands of Time
Steal fast away!
Yet till cool evening falls
With lamplight on the walls—
I fain would stay.
If this be long and late,
Oh Thou! who mark'st our date,
Till twilight's ray
I'd love to linger here,
Guiding my children dear
Their pilgrim-way;
Watching their minds unfold,
Rich with unrusting gold
Of knowledge stored,
Till each his manly seat
Shall take, in concord sweet,
Around life's board."
