_Class of '87._
At last all the lessons are ended,
Our pencils and books laid away;
And gathered to-night in the class-room
There are many young hearts blithe and gay.
There are loving congratulations
From classmate, and teacher, and friend;
A smile! Then a sigh at the parting,
And the feeling that this is the end.
It is pleasant to know we are through, though,
Yet saddening to know we must part;
And 'mid the light jest and the laughter,
Comes a sharp touch of pain in each heart.
There's a hush in the happy assemblage,
While a prayer is upraised to the Throne,
And "We thank Thee, our Father," is uttered,--
And the minister speaks not alone.
For the tokens of love and remembrance,
And kind wishes expressed for our weal,
We would thank our dear friends and our teachers,
And voice the affection we feel.
And we thank Thee for these many blessings;
Yet most for the blessing that we
Can, by striving, attain to perfection
And Thy mercy and tenderness see.