PASTOR revered, beloved! the Muse would fain Join on fair "Bothwell banks" the jubilant strain Raised by thy grateful people; fifty years Look down upon thy labours sown in tears— The precious seed beneath thy watchful care Hath sprung, bloom'd, ripen'd into harvests fair. Returning with thy sheaves, rejoicing, thou Uplift'st to heaven thy venerable brow; For there thy treasure, there thy heart, and there Thy treasures reaped on earth are garnered, where They wait to join thee, ripe and full of days, In heaven's eternal jubilee of praise. A stranger I, forgive this simple lay, I wish'd to greet thee, wished to hail the day, O aged shepherd, when thy flock approve, With honours meet and tokens of their love, Thy ministrations. May the call come late For thee, a chosen guest, to take thy seat At marriage supper of the Lamb, and swell The choir of heaven with harp and song! Farewell! |