“Which lieth far beyond the farthest sun, And trembling stand before high Heaven’s court With unforgiven thought and task undone; No camouflage to which you can resort.
“Be ye a man of lore, unlearned or youth, Will there, as here on earth, avail you aught; Nor will forensic speech conceal the truth In your account of deed and word and thought.
“In stilly night I’ve often wandered here Far from those realms beyond the starry sky, O’er that long way, so lonely, dark and drear, But now the hour of bliss for me draws nigh.
“For soon the pearly gates, which now bar me, Through which the sainted souls have ever trod Will open wide and I shall ever see The pristine glory of the throne of God.”
Summer time was in the waning, Vesper Sun was wending low, And reminiscences brought me Back to school days long ago There the school-house stood before me, And I was on hallowed ground, Where each old association Inspiration breathed around.
Full in view the school was standing Near the road and yet aloof, Four square walls in ochre painted, Topped off with a cottage roof. In the distance old Atlantic Glistened as in days of yore, While upon his glimmering bosom, White caps rolled towards the shore.
On the diamond boys were playing Base-ball, with eclat and shout; Saw the batter three times fanning, Heard the umpire’s “Batter’s out.” Saw some other hit a grounder, Speed away like a winged bird; Heard the rooters merry shouting, As he landed safe on third.
Heard the maidens merry laughter, As they played upon the green, And the rythm of their footfalls, Skipping o’er the hard terrene, Saw the little boys and maidens Drinking at the nearby well: And upon the air vibrating Heard again the master’s bell.
Plainly heard the foot-step sounding On the floor with measured beats, While the boys and girls were filing Through the aisles towards their seats. Saw the whole class sitting upright, In position, one and all; Heard distinctly “Here” and “Absent,” Answered to the master’s call.
I could see the master’s visage, With its look of learned lore, While Sol’s summer shadows lengthened Slowly o’er the school house floor; O’er his head there hung a motto With the words, “God Bless Our School” Standing in the left-hand corner Was the oft-used Dunces’ stool.