Thy work is done, and well: Thou hast borne burdens, and may take thy rest, Pillow thy head on time's untired breast. Illustrious year, farewell! Lynn, Mass., _January 1, 1866_. _INVOCATION FOR 1868_ Father of every age, Of every rolling sphere, Help us to write a deathless page Of truth, this dawning year! Help us to humbly bow To Thy all-wise behest-- Whate'er the gift of joy or woe, Knowing Thou knowest best. Aid our poor soul to sing Above the tempest's glee; Give us the eagle's fearless wing, The dove's to soar to Thee! All-merciful and good, Hover the homeless heart! Give us this day our daily food In knowing what Thou art! Swampscott, Mass., _January 1, 1868_. _CHRISTMAS MORN_ Blest Christmas morn, though murky clouds Pursue thy way, Thy light was born where storm enshrouds Nor dawn nor day! Dear Christ, forever here and near, No cradle song, No natal hour and mother's tear, To thee belong. Thou God-idea, Life-encrowned, The Bethlehem babe-- Beloved, replete, by flesh embound-- Was but thy shade! Thou gentle beam of living Love, And deathless Life! Truth infinite,--so far above All mortal strife, Or cruel creed, or earth-born taint: Fill us today With all thou art--be thou our saint, Our stay, alway. _December, 1898._ _EASTER MORN_ Gently thou beckonest from the giant hills The new-born beauty in the emerald sky, And wakening murmurs from the drowsy rills-- O gladsome dayspring! 'reft of mortal sigh To glorify all time--eternity-- With thy still fathomless Christ-majesty. E'en as Thou gildest gladdened joy, dear God, Give risen power to prayer; fan Thou the flame Of right with might; and midst the rod, And stern, dark shadows cast on Thy blest name, Lift Thou a patient love above earth's ire, Piercing the clouds with its triumphal spire. While sacred song and loudest breath of praise Echo amid the hymning spheres of light,-- With heaven's lyres and angels' loving lays,-- Send to the loyal struggler for the right, Joy--not of time, nor yet by nature sown, But the celestial seed dropped from Love's throne. Prolong the strain "Christ risen!" Sad sense, annoy No more the peace of Soul's sweet solitude! Deep loneness, tear-filled tones of distant joy, Depart! Glad Easter glows with gratitude-- Love's verdure veils the leaflet's wondrous birth-- Rich rays, rare footprints on the dust of earth.