Poems (Hornblower)/Sonnet, to my Father
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SONNET,
TO MY FATHER.
Sleep on, my father! and may rest as sweet
Gild the calm hours of life's serene decline!
From the world's cares a soft and blest release,
Henceforth in home's dear shelter shall be thine!
What though thy name in courts and nations shine
With brighter radiance than in youth's proud hour.
And thou art gifted with an earthly dower
Of spotless fame—yet dost thou not repine
Amidst thy children to repose at last,
While filial hands the tender homage bring
Of love unfading, and the offering
Which will be green when summer hours are past—
Oh long, my father! these dear cares to prove,
May thy smile guide us on our toils of love!
Gild the calm hours of life's serene decline!
From the world's cares a soft and blest release,
Henceforth in home's dear shelter shall be thine!
What though thy name in courts and nations shine
With brighter radiance than in youth's proud hour.
And thou art gifted with an earthly dower
Of spotless fame—yet dost thou not repine
Amidst thy children to repose at last,
While filial hands the tender homage bring
Of love unfading, and the offering
Which will be green when summer hours are past—
Oh long, my father! these dear cares to prove,
May thy smile guide us on our toils of love!