Since life is a journey, a birth-day 'tis clear Is a stage where we stop and look back on the year, Where we greet our companions and bid them God speed, And scatter with roses the path where they tread; Be yours with the sunshine of health ever gay; May affection and duty still sweeten your way; May you double the number which now you enjoy, If the road will not tire, and the views will not cloy; May those you most love travel with you each stage, And the friends of your youth be the friends of your age. In the uphills and downhills, and cross-roads of life, May you ever jog on without care, without strife; May good-humour and mirth still spontaneously flow, And the prospects still brighten as onward you go, Till the road growing dull, and the shades gathering fast, You meet a good inn, and sweet rest at the last. |