Library of the best American literature / Containing the lives of our authors in story form, their portraits, their homes, and their personal traits, how they worked and what they wrote; choice selections from eminent writers, embracing great American poets and novelists, foremost women in American letters, distinguished critics and essayists, our national humorists, noted journalists and magazine contributors, popular writers for young people, great orators and public lecturers

by Unknown

THANK thee, friend, for words of cheer,

That made the path of duty clear,

When thou and I were young and strong

To wrestle with a mighty wrong.

And now, when lengthening shadows come,

And this world’s work is nearly done,

I thank thee for thy genial ray

That prophesies a brighter day

When we can work, with strength renewed,

In clearer light, for surer good.