A LIFE WELL SPENT

SOFTLY, oh softly, the years have swept by thee,

Touching thee gently with tenderest care;

Sorrow and death they have often brought nigh thee,

 Yet have they left thee but beauty to wear;

Growing old gracefully,

Gracefully fair.

Far from the storms that are lashing the ocean,

Nearer each day to the pleasant home-light;

Far from the waves that are big with commotion,

Under full sail and the harbor in sight;

Growing old cheerfully,

Cheerful and bright.

Past all the winds that were adverse and chilling

Past all the islands that lured thee to rest;

Past all the currents that urged thee unwilling,

Far from thy course to the home of the blest;

Growing old peacefully,

Peaceful and blest.

Never a feeling of envy and sorrow

When the bright faces of children are seen;

Never a year from the young wouldst thou borrow—

Thou dost remember what lieth between;

Growing old willingly,

Thankful, serene.

Rich in experience that angels might covet;

Rich in a faith that hath grown with thy years;

Rich in a love that grew from and above it,

Soothing thy sorrows and hushing thy fears;

Growing old wealthily,

Loving and dear.

Hearts at the sound of thy coming are lightened,

Ready and willing thy hand to relieve;

Many a face at thy kind word hath brightened—

“It is more blessed to give than receive.

Growing old happily,

Ceasing to grieve.

Eyes that grow dim to the earth and its glory

Have a sweet recompense youth cannot know;

Ears that grow dull to the world and its story

Drink in the songs that from Paradise flow;

     Growing old graciously,

  Purer than snow.

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