University of Virginia Library


87

IN LOVING FAITH THIS STONE WE PLACE.

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE, NORUMBEGA, WELLESLEY COLLEGE.

In loving faith this stone we place;
God is our trust,—in Him we build;
All noble works through Him are wrought,
All life is with His pulse-beat thrilled.
O Life of life! O Light of light!
Our breath, our joy, our hope, our aim,—
We plant our corner-stone, we rear
Our home, in honor of Thy name!
In love o'er all the work preside
As wall, and tower, and peak ascend;
And be its crown of glory, Thou,—
Earth's noblest hope, life's highest end,
The broad, sweet landscape at our feet,—
Forest and vale, and hill and sea,—
Reveal Thy wondrous skill and power;
All space, all time, are full of Thee.
So let the building we prepare,
The house we to Thy honor raise,
Be a new temple built for God,—
Forever vocal with His praise.
June 22, 1885.