With a step elastic,
Vigorous of mind,
Strenuous of purpose,
Casting doubts behind,--
Vigilant for duty,
Strong to banish fears,--
What a wealth of tribute
To your seventy years.
Backward glance disclosing
Many a service field,
To whose faithful tilling
Bounteous harvests yield,--
Priceless treasures, wrested
From the soil of truth,
Treasures from rich sowing
In the lives of youth;
Treasures from the valley,
Where the shadows lay
Till your voice of comfort
Whispered them away;
Treasures from the hillside,
Whose ascent seemed drear
Till your note of courage
Fell upon the ear.
Treasures from the garden,
Where the Graces bloom,
Lavishly exuding
Breaths of rich perfume;
Treasures from the vineyard,
To whose soil were given
Streams of gracious influence
Born of Hope and Heaven;
Treasures from the hilltop,
Where the Eternal Love
Fell in showers of blessing
From the fount above;
Treasures gleaned from sorrow,
When to longing eyes
Came a glimpse of mansions
Reared in Paradise.
Ten and threescore cycles
Are complete today;
Loving benedictions
Speed you on your way.
Age has no forebodings,--
Clouds and shadows fly
From the glow and radiance
Of your western sky.
Peaceful, glad and trustful
Is your forward glance,--
Faith begetting vision
As the years advance.
Is the sight entrancing?
Do you long to go?
List! the Father speaketh,
Lovingly and low:
"Safe are all the treasures
For which you have wrought;
Safe the precious jewels
Prayer and love have bought;
All your aspirations--
Incense of the soul--
With the seal eternal,
Safe in My control.
"Heaven awaits your coming
With a warmth that cheers;
But the earth-friends need you
For a few more years;
Tarry yet a season,
That My will may be,
Through the twilight hour,
Perfected in thee."