MARY’S TWENTIETH BIRTHDAY.

One of the Fourscore years, Mary,
     Has passed like a dream away,
A dream of laughter and tears, Mary,
     Like a showery summer’s day,
          With its rainbow bright,

          In the warm twilight,
     Fair pledge of a happier day, Mary,
     God’s pledge of a happier day.

Swiftly the seasons roll, Mary,
     Like the waves o’er a mighty sea,

Searching the depths of the soul, Mary,
     With their power and mystery.
          Every hour that flies,
          Tells in distant skies
     The words that it heard from thee, Mary,

     The deeds that are done by thee.

See that the tale be pure, Mary,
     That the Hours may have to tell; [Page 196]
Goodness and Truth, we are sure, Mary,
     Heav’n loveth exceeding well;

          And the beauteous mind
          Where Truth is shrined,
     Glows bright as a sunny dell, Mary,
     Glows bright as a sunny dell.

More of the Fourscore years, Mary,

     Must pass like the first away,
Each, as its turn appears, Mary,
     May not be a summer’s day;
          But Hope’s rainbow bright,
          With its smile, will light

     The close of a happier day, Mary,
     The dawn of Eternal Day. [Page 197]