One word, receding year,
Ere thou grow tremulous with shadowy night!
Say, will the young year dawn with wisdom's light
To brighten o'er thy bier?
Or we the past forget,
And heal her wounds too tenderly to last?
Or let today grow difficult and vast
With traitors unvoiced yet?
Though thou must leave the tear,—
Hearts bleeding ere they break in silence yet,
Wrong jubilant and right with bright eye wet,—
Thou fast expiring year,
Thy work is done, and well:
Thou hast borne burdens, and may take thy rest,
Pillow thy head on time's untired breast.
Illustrious year, farewell!
Lynn, Mass., January 1, 1866.
INVOCATION FOR 1868
Help us to humbly bow
To Thy all-wise behest—
Whate'er the gift of joy or woe,
Knowing Thou knowest best.