TO THE PORTRAIT OF FATHER BALLOU,
HANGING IN MURRAY HALL.
O, much-loved features! Faithful counterpart
Of one we love, and cherish, and revere;
Thy gentle influence shed o'er every heart,
And be thy spirit ever present here.
Look from thy quiet resting-place on us,
With that familiar smile so dear to all,
Which ever seems to speak of happiness,
And every mourner would to hope recall.
Thro' childhood's sunny days and youth's bright morn,
Mid changes and mid sorrows, thou hast been
A light to guide, a hope to cheer and warm,
And to the heart bring joy and peace again.
And for thine honored form how fit the place,
Where childhood's ear instruction would receive;
Preside o'er all, lend all our efforts grace,
To learn God's love, and on his word believe.
Thy Master's faithful servant! Who, in love,
Took little children in his arms to bless;
While looking down from his bright home above,
Through thee diffusing peace and holiness;
May his pure spirit ever with us dwell,
Shedding o'er all our thoughts its heavenly ray;
Our hearts attune the song of praise to swell,
And o'er our darkness pour eternal day.
And when thou'rt left alone, to bear the name
Of him whose faithful emblem thou art made,
May thou through ages still endure the same,
Though all around thee shall decay and fade.
May his dear memory, which through thee shall live
Long in the places which his love has blest,
Shine as a beacon, life and light to give,
And hope at last in God's eternal rest.