Classic Poem

The twilight sky is glowing,
Across the summer sea; —
The balmy breeze is blowing;
But its breath is not for me; —
For when the morning rises,
While others greet the day,
From all this spirit prizes,
Shall I have pass'd away.

My soul, suppress thy sorrow!
My wandering heart be still!
Thy consolation borrow
From thy Maker's holy will!
Let not thy footsteps falter,
'Mid darkness and despair;
But kneeling at his altar,
Seek light and comfort there.

With gratitude and meekness
Address the Heav'nly throne,
Acknowledging thy weakness,
Trusting in God alone; —
Thy crimes and faults confessing,
Implore his pardoning grace,
And ask the Saviour's blessing,
On all thy fallen race.

Pray for the carnal-minded,
That thirst for fame and gold;
The spiritually blinded,
The thoughtless and the cold;
Pray for the sad and sighing,
ThaTheav'n may soothe their woes,
Pray that the sick and dying
From thence may find repose.

Pray for the friends thou lovest,
For all thou holdest dear,
Though far from them thou rovest
While fresh the parting tear;
That whether joy or mourning,
Through life may be their doom,
Their lamps all trimm'd and burning,
May shine beyond the tomb.

Friends of my choice, we sever! —
But though sorrow dimm'd its fire;
Within this bosom never
Shall friendship's flame expire! —
Ye venerable towers,
Fast fading from my view;
Ye island-vales and bowers, —
Home of my heart — adieu!