[TO THE MEMBERS OF MY HOME CLUB.][C]
While dwelling in sweet wisdom's fruitful ways,
In company with poets grand and good
Who met our human nature's every mood,
What life was ours, beyond our words to praise!
In seeking for the secret of the lays
Which clothed in art pure Nature's daily food,
Or brought to light a Christian brotherhood,
Did we not garner thoughts for future days?
'Tis one of wisdom's joys, while lingering here
To plant her seeds of righteousness and peace,
To give a sweet companionship and cheer
To those who seek from her their soul's increase.
This, friends, we've felt in our Club atmosphere.
May its sweet memory linger till life cease!
Chelsea, Mass., 1888.
[C] For an account of this Home Club, see the Boston Literary World, of July 9, 1887, and June 9, 1888; also, Lend a Hand, for September, 1889.