THE SUNSET STRAIN.
15
When Winter's icy footsteps draweth near,
Shrouding the beauty of the Autumn's hours;
When cometh Spring, with fairy hues of green;
When cometh Summer, with its golden hours;
When glows the rose, with angel-painted hues;
When leafy spray is bent by tree and bird;
When Autumn comes with treasures rich and rare,
Be this my heart hymn—thus my voice be heard.
In joy and gladness—in dark sorrow's hour,—
Amid the sunshine and the deepest shade,—
In the fair hour of bright prosperity—
And when a chastening hand is on me laid—
When faint and feeble—when death cometh near,—
When loving voices are no longer heard—
Through the dark valley—at the golden gate—
My spirit's song shall be "Praised be the Lord."
