THERE are names we murmur softly,
Ever with the same pure joy,
Which no absence can embitter,
No more ardent love destroy—
Sainted names of sire and mother,
Sounding on the troubled soul
Like the angels' thrilling cadence
As we near the eternal goal. There are names we utter sadly
As we gaze upon our dead,
Or with faithful love's devotion,
Scatter flowers above their bed—
Names that sound like pealing anthems
From eternity's white shore,
Telling of the endless morrow,
Where we'll meet to part no more. There are names we think of, never
Breathing their sad sound aloud,
Shrinking when some heedless stranger
Speaks them 'mid the thoughtless crowd—
Names that once, like heaven's sunshine,
Could the brightest joy impart,
But, like festering Upas shadows,
Darken now around the heart. There's one Name replete with gladness,
Varied tho' our moods may be,
Gleaming like a glint of sunlight
O'er our passion's stormy sea,
Falling like a healing balsam
On the open wounds of grief,
Pouring o'er the earthworn spirit
Copious fountains of relief. Who, when pressed neath care and sorrow
Heavier than man's strength could bear,
Did not call to thee for comfort
In a wild yet humble prayer?
Gentle when we meet with harshness,
Constant when all else depart,
Faithful when our friends deceive us,
Seeking nothing but our heart. Name more dear than any other!
Joy all earthly joys above!
Beauty all earth's sons surpassing!
Love beyond all other love!
Wealth and beauty, joy and pleasure,
Endless bliss and deathless fame—
If we sigh for these they're hidden,
Jesus, in thy Holy Name!