Household Verses :: :: University of Virginia Library

Eighteen hundred forty-four!
Soon thy twelve months will be o'er;
And thy memory only be
All that shall survive of thee!
Every year that hurries by,
Though it wait not for reply,
Brings, as plainly as it can,
Serious questions home to man;
Tells him that he is but dust;
That he holds his life “in trust!”
And that trust's discharge demands
Sober reckoning at his hands.

Ask we, then, of by-gone years,
What their true result appears?
Some of us have known enow
To write wrinkles on the brow:
What of wisdom have they taught?
What true pleasure have they brought?
What of real growth in good?
Questions these—in thoughtful mood
It becomes us oft to ask,
Not to turn from as a task:
Life's best boons we all confess,
Wisdom, virtue, happiness.

Is the world much wiser grown,
When the surplice and the gown,
Turning east, or turning west,
Are of magnitude confest,
And, in days of fearful signs,
Dwelt upon by grave divines?
Shall we never comprehend,
That Religion's aim, and end,
In such things can have no part,
But appeals unto the heart?
There would rear her hallowed throne,
Rule and reign by love alone!

Are we happier? Truest bliss
Surely should consist in this—
In the happiness of all,
High and low, and great and small!
What though every rising sun
See new wreaths by science won;
Though the arts their trophies show,
And the rich may richer grow;
Science, commerce, wealth, and art,
Leave ungladdened many a heart!
Are there more, or are there less,
Who now share in happiness?

Are we better? Growth in good,
Truly felt and understood,
Means a growth in every grace,
Shining in its proper place:
It implies a growth in love
Unto Him who reigns above!
Love to all His creatures here,
Rendered, for His sake, more dear!
Tried by this unerring test,
Genuine goodness is confest;
Heavenly in its aim and birth,
It would make a heaven on earth!

If such questions, and replies,
Bid misgiving doubts arise;
May those doubts but urge us, still,
So to weigh the good and ill
Of our daily walk in life,
That it be not found at strife
With His merciful intent
Who another year hath lent:
But, with humbled, grateful hearts,
May we so perform our parts,
That in each God yet may give,
We wiser, happier, better live!