[Illustration]
_L'ENVOI._

_Dear aged friends, and loved ones who have turned
Your faces toward the glowing sunset sky,
While far below on paths that ye have trod,
Life's mingled lights and shadows softly lie:
May Peace be with you as you journey on
To reach the summit of life's shadowed hill,
And tho' the way seem toilsome here and there,
May Hope and Faith your hearts with courage fill.
Bear with you, as you go, our grateful prayers
For your dear lives by heavenly mercy spared
So long to us who love you, and with whom
Life's burdens, great or small, your love hath shared.
The crimson glory of the sunset sky
Lies all about you, and falls gently down
Upon your dear, grey heads, as tho' our Lord
Hath wished already His loved saints to crown.
Lift up your tired eyes "Unto the hills
Whence cometh help," for lo! the Father stands
To give you greeting, and to welcome you--
When night brings rest--with tender, gracious hands._

M. D. B.