Our eight dear children growing up,
My wife and I behold,
And quaff such, pleasures from life's cup
As none can get from gold.
And whence does such pure pleasure come?
I answer, from the Lord.
His presence cheers our humble home,
And we can well afford
To praise and glorify His name,
While we do here remain;
And be content to suffer shame,
If but the Crown we gain.
TO ELIHU BURRITT AFTER LISTENING TO HIS LECTURE ON "COMMERCE,"
DEC. 26, 1857.
[Footnote: It affords me much pleasure to be able to say that after presenting these verses to Mr. Burritt he was kind enough to call on me at my house, and expressed himself pleased with them.]
DEAR SIR:—
Pray deem it not presumptious in me
To give expression thus to what I felt
Last night, while listening to the poetry
In your discourse, as you on Commerce dwelt.
I know not if you ever wrote a rhyme,
Or framed your thoughts in a well measured line;
But sure I am your language so sublime,
Shows you possess a deep, poetic mine.
I listened with attention most profound,
As did the audience that before you sat,
Feeling as if I was on holy ground;
Which in my mind deep reverence begat.