MAKING MY WILL
Did you ask me what I was doing?
Only this, I've been making my will,—
Numbering over the treasures
I shall leave when my heart-throb grows still.
I know only those who have loved me,
Will find worth in what will be given,
For I haven't much wealth but affection,
Save what may be laid up in heaven.
Only this, I've been making my will,—
Numbering over the treasures
I shall leave when my heart-throb grows still.
I know only those who have loved me,
Will find worth in what will be given,
For I haven't much wealth but affection,
Save what may be laid up in heaven.
Were you saying 'twas strange I should write then,
When I claim neither houses, nor gold?
Don't you know that the heart's inner chambers
Hold wealth whose worth is untold?
Only yesterday I was reading,
The heart-will of one now at rest,
And I thought 'twas a joy to thus number
Sweet gifts to those we love best.
When I claim neither houses, nor gold?
Don't you know that the heart's inner chambers
Hold wealth whose worth is untold?
Only yesterday I was reading,
The heart-will of one now at rest,
And I thought 'twas a joy to thus number
Sweet gifts to those we love best.
Mother dear, to you and to father,
I will leave a fair casket of gold;
The gold of obedience wrapping close
Gratitude's bright gems in its hold.
And my sister shall have a sweet garland,
I'll make ready with love's fond care;
On each flower I'll trace a blessing,
And on every leaf a prayer.
I will leave a fair casket of gold;
The gold of obedience wrapping close
Gratitude's bright gems in its hold.
And my sister shall have a sweet garland,
I'll make ready with love's fond care;
On each flower I'll trace a blessing,
And on every leaf a prayer.
And to you, ah, dear, I'd forgotten,
You are treading the golden street,
I must e'en take my gift up with me,
In hope that we there may meet.
I will leave of these flowers unfading
A portion for many a friend,
They will symbol that undying friendship
That suffers no change nor end.
You are treading the golden street,
I must e'en take my gift up with me,
In hope that we there may meet.
I will leave of these flowers unfading
A portion for many a friend,
They will symbol that undying friendship
That suffers no change nor end.
Dear friend of my childhood, what token
Or gift shall I leave for you?
Our paths lie apart, and an ocean of change
Covers shores where Love's flowers once grew;
I will leave in your care this necklace,
Each link is a thought of the past,
Sometime, if your heart should grow weary,
You'll rejoice that my friendship could last.
Or gift shall I leave for you?
Our paths lie apart, and an ocean of change
Covers shores where Love's flowers once grew;
I will leave in your care this necklace,
Each link is a thought of the past,
Sometime, if your heart should grow weary,
You'll rejoice that my friendship could last.
You have counseled to noble actions,
Sweet one, and my gift to you
Shall be the broadening circle
Of whatever is earnest and true.
And, brother of mine, 'mid the blessings
That brighten your pilgrim's lot,
I'll send you this charm, with the motto,—
"Unforgetting, and still unforgot."
Sweet one, and my gift to you
Shall be the broadening circle
Of whatever is earnest and true.
And, brother of mine, 'mid the blessings
That brighten your pilgrim's lot,
I'll send you this charm, with the motto,—
"Unforgetting, and still unforgot."
And last on the list of my treasures,
I will leave you the richest, dear friend:
The every day prayers of a lifetime,
Constant and fond to the end.
They may yield no gleam nor glitter,
But they bear love's golden ring,
And God, who blesses the weakest,
Only knows what comforts they'll bring.
I will leave you the richest, dear friend:
The every day prayers of a lifetime,
Constant and fond to the end.
They may yield no gleam nor glitter,
But they bear love's golden ring,
And God, who blesses the weakest,
Only knows what comforts they'll bring.