‘ May you be all as old as I,
‘ And see you? Sons to manhood grow;
‘ And, many a time before you die,
‘ Be just as pleas'd as I am now.’
Then, ( raising still his Mug and Voice,)
‘ An Old Man's weakness do n't despise!
‘ I love you well, my Girls and Boys;
‘ GOD bless you all;’ — so said his eyes ——
For, as he spoke, a big round drop
Fell bounding on his ample sleeve;
A witness which he could not stop,
A witness which all hearts believe.
Thou, FILIAL PIETY, wert there;
And round the ring, benignly bright,
Dwelt in the luscious half-shed tear,
And in the parting word — Good Night.