University of Virginia Library


57

The Keswick Old Folks' Dinner

Once more, from hall and cottage home, we meet
About the well-spread hospitable board;
Our foreheads are a little deeper scored,
A little slowlier move our aged feet;
But still our hearts are young enough to beat
With Christmas cheer, and on our heads is poured
The peace and loving-kindness of the Lord,
Who bade us think of Him the whiles we eat.
Oh, Thou great Saviour, who of old wert known
In breaking of the bread, be here to-day,
And if from out the grave some cannot come
To claim our greetings and to give their own,
Let their loved forms and faces with us stay
Till all are welcomed to their heavenly home.