Bernard Barton (1784–1849)

“Old age is dark and unlovely.”—OSSIAN.

O, SAY not so! A bright old age is thine,

Calm as the gentle light of summer eves,

Ere twilight dim her dusky mantle weaves;

Because to thee is given, in thy decline,

A heart that does not thanklessly repine

At aught of which the hand of God bereaves,

Yet all He sends with gratitude receives;—

May such a quiet, thankful close be mine!

And hence thy fireside chair appears to me

A peaceful throne, which thou wert formed to fill;

Thy children ministers who do thy will;

And those grandchildren, sporting round thy knee,

Thy little subjects, looking up to thee

As one who claims their fond allegiance still.