Classic Poem

To-day just eight and twenty years,
A day of mingled hopes and fears,
Remembered well, though now afar,
Rose on the world an unknown star.
Unknown, yet not unlooked for, came
The trembling thing without a name!
Emerging from the eternal deep,
Where unthought mysteries ever sleep,
It rose in beauty on our sight,
A ray of the celestial light.
Tears greeted it, but not of sadness,
Tears warm with love and bright with gladness;
And grateful thanks to heaven were sent
For this fair gift so kindly lent,
On life's dim shadowy way to smile,
And its oft weary hours beguile.

That glimmering star as years have flown,
Has larger waxed and brighter grown;
And loving hearts have quicker beat,
And eyes have glowed its glance to meet.
Now clear, full-orbed, ascended high,
It fixes many a gazing eye;
And kindly influence lets fall
O'er a wide sphere to gladden all.
A guiding star—it sheds its beams;
A star of comfort now it seems;
A star elect, set 'mid the band
The Highest holds in his right hand.
Purer and purer may it glow!
Wide and more wide its splendor throw!
When—past its latest natal day—
Its light for earth shall fade away,
More fair and glorious let it rise,
To blaze on the eternal skies!