LOOKING BACKWARD.
Ay; but wait, good wife, a minute,
I have first a word to say;
Do you know what to-day is?
Mother, ’tis our wedding day![[1]]
Just as now, we sat at supper
When the guests had gone away;
You sat that side, I sat this side,
Forty years ago to-day!
Then what plans we laid together,
What brave things I meant to do!
Could we dream to-day would find us
At this table--me and you?
Better so, no doubt--and yet I
Sometimes think--I can not tell--
Had our boy--ah, yes! I know, dear;
Yes, “He doeth all things well.”
Well, we’ve had our joys and sorrows,
Shared our smiles as well as tears;
And--the best of all--I’ve had your
Faithful love for forty years!
Poor we’ve been, but not forsaken;
Grief we’ve known, but never shame--
Father for Thy endless mercies
Still we bless Thy Holy Name.[[2]]
TABLEAUX.
[1]. Aged couple at supper table; woman at end, man at side facing audience; lighted lamp on table--small, so as not to hide man’s face.
[2]. Heads bowed while blessing is asked.