Irene.

The years are slowly creeping on         Beneath the summer sun;     Yet, still in silent love and peace         Our lives serenely run.     Beyond the mist that veils the coming years     I see no gathering clouds, nor falling tears.     Beside life's river we have stood         And lingered side by side;     Where royal roses bloomed and blushed         And gleamed the lily's pride,     And happily there we've plucked the sweet wild flowers     while heedless passed away the sunny hours.     Irene, thy sunny face is lit         With all the hope of youth;     God grant thy heart may never know         Aught but the purest truth.     Keep in thy soul its faith and trusting love     Until they e'en must bloom in heaven above.     Beside the river still we stay         And swift the hours fly by;     While low upon the fragrant banks         The flowers silent lie.     Yet, far beyond the mist, our longing eyes     Still seek the gleaming walls of paradise.