 | Poems of Paul Hamilton Hayne |  |
IV.
TO HON. R. G. H.
UPON HIS 78th BIRTHDAY.
Close to the verge of fourscore crowded years
Your heart is strong, your soul serene and bright;
As when confronting first life's hopes and fears—
The star of manhood crowned your brow with light.
Your heart is strong, your soul serene and bright;
As when confronting first life's hopes and fears—
The star of manhood crowned your brow with light.
Clear thoughts are spells to keep the lifeblood pure,
Brave aims are medicinal, rife with balm;
What wonder then, with thee life's joys endure,
And life's majestic sunset smiles in calm!
Brave aims are medicinal, rife with balm;
What wonder then, with thee life's joys endure,
And life's majestic sunset smiles in calm!
For thou art one whose brotherhood supreme
Hath touched all circles of benign desire;
Therefore, thy days like some unclouded dream,
Are slowly melting into heavenly fire.
Hath touched all circles of benign desire;
Therefore, thy days like some unclouded dream,
Are slowly melting into heavenly fire.
| Poems of Paul Hamilton Hayne | |