Poetry Archives

A lov’d companion, chosen friend,
  Does at this hour depart,
Whom the dear name of father binds
  Still closer to my heart.

On him may joy-dispensing heav’n
  Each calm delight bestow,
And eas’d of peace-destroying care
  His life serenely flow!

Did I but know his bosom calm,
  And free from anxious fear,
Around me in more cheerful hues
  Would every scene appear.

And I will hope that he, who ne’er
  Repin’d at heav’n’s decree,
But ever patient and resign’d,
  Submissive bent the knee:

Who, best of fathers, never sought
  For arbitrary sway,
But free within each youthful mind,
  Bade Reason lead the way.

Who taught us, ’stead of servile fear,
  A warm esteem to prove,
And bade each act of duty spring,
  From gratitude and love.

Yes, I must hope that generous mind
  With many cares opprest,
Shall in the winter of his days
  With sweet repose be blest.


       *       *       *       *       *

A friend, a year or two ago, gave me Joseph’s Reconciliation with
his Brethren, as a subject to write upon; but I was afraid of not
treating it in such a manner as a sacred story deserved, and gave up
the attempt, when I had written little more than the following lines,
to account for their not knowing him, although he well remembered them;
and am persuaded to let them appear here.