Children confided to our care,
Hath God in kindness given,
Of whom five still on earth remain,
And two, we trust, in heaven.

How many friends of early days,
Have fallen by our side;
Shook by some blast, like autumn leaves
They withered, drooped, and died.

But still permitted, hand in hand
Our journey we pursue;
And when we’re weary, cheered by glimpse
Of “better land” in view.

We may not hope in this low world,
Much longer to remain,
But oh! there’s rapture in the thought,
That we may meet again.

    [5] July 14, 1853.