The Year'S End

SO grows the rising year, and so declines By months, weeks, days, unto its peaceful end Even as by slow and ever-varying signs Through childhood, youth, our solemn steps we bend Up to the crown of life, and thence descend.

Great Father, who of every one takest care, From him on whom full ninety years are piled To the young babe, just taught to lisp a prayer About the "Gentle Jesus, meek and mild," Who children loves, being once himself a child,--

O make us day by day like Him to grow; More pure and good, more dutiful and meek; Because He loves those who obey Him so; Because His love is the best thing to seek, Because without His love, all loves are weak,--

All earthly joys are miserable and poor, All earthly goodness quickly droops and dies, Like rootless flowers you plant in gardens--sure That they will flourish--till in mid-day skies The sun burns, and they fade before your eyes.

O God, who art alone the life and light Of this strange world to which as babes we come, Keep Thou us always children in Thy sight: Guide us from year to year, thro' shine and gloom And at our year's end, Father, take us home.