But now, clasp hands in the Night, Old
Year clasp hands in the rippling
N'ight!
And a tear and prayer for your going a
Kiss for yo'ir brows of white!
Mother ami brother of life to me drifting
where darkness dwells
From the sighing and dying of Earth set
free, and recked to rest by the
bells!
Goodby! . . . And a song of welcome
from the bells of the world for One,
Clothed in the light of morning kissed
and crowned of the sun!
The welcome of all the bells the bells!
Ami garlands to grace his way,
While gieams and strorms the glory from
the Hood-gates of the Day.
Welcome! a hand and a heart for you!
Sing, hills! and answer, plains!
Echo the song in the thunder in the dash
of the wintry rains
In the roar of the lushing cities, where
the cleaving temples rise
In the voice of the seas that toss their
spray to the blue of the bending
skies!
Welcome! . . . Bring gifts to the homes
of men; the gifts ot love and light!
Let the dreams outlive the shadows and
the mystery of Night;
Let the days move on in music to the Mas
ter's perfect plan,
Till we learn that lesson of love to God
whose meaning is love to man!
A New Year Text.
I Exchange.
