Make ends meet

(He throws himself on the leather arm - chair beside the bed)

Receive me thou, who hast in thine embrace, Welcom'd in joy and grief the

ages flown! How oft the children of a by - gone race Have cluster'd round this

patriarchal throne! Haply she, also, whom I hold so dear, For Christmas gift,

with grateful joy possess'd, Hath with the full round cheek of childhood, here,

Her grandsire's wither'd hand devoutly press'd. Maiden! I feel thy spirit haunt

the place, Breathing of order and abounding grace. As with a mother's voice it

prompteth thee, The pure white cover o'er the board to spread, To strew the