THE TWO GUESTS.
Outside December's frozen gates
A blithe new-comer stands and waits;
A blithe new-comer stands and waits;
While one, with gray beard on his chin,
Sits robed in pilgrim garb within.
Sits robed in pilgrim garb within.
One bright with hope and life's fresh grace,
With youth's glad sunshine on his face;
With youth's glad sunshine on his face;
One grave and sad with sombre air,
Which knows the weight of grief and care.
Which knows the weight of grief and care.
One sadly waits, till time shall spell
The message of his mute farewell;
The message of his mute farewell;
The other, friendly heart and hand
Shall hail with welcome through the land.
Shall hail with welcome through the land.
———
O Parting Guest! Pause yet awhile
And teach thy pallid lips to smile,
And teach thy pallid lips to smile,
