Sonett-Forum

TO JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER,
ON HIS EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY.

POET and friend, beloved of us so long,
What shall we wish thee on thy natal day?
What rhymes and roses strew along thy way,—
Thine, unto whom all suffrages belong?
Through the dark night we caught thy thrilling song,
Singer and prophet of the higher way:
Poet and friend beloved of us so long,
What shall we wish thee on thy natal day?
Through all thy life the foe of every wrong,
Strong of heart to labor, high of soul to pray,
Guide to recall when errant footsteps stray;
What blessed memories round thy dear name throng!
Poet and friend, beloved of us so long,
God bless and keep thee on thy natal day!