TO J. R. LOWELL br br WE will not speak of years to-night,-- br For what have years to bring br But larger floods of love and light, br And sweeter songs to sing? br br We will not drown in wordy praise br The kindly thoughts that rise; br If Friendship own one tender phrase, br He reads it in our eyes. br br We need not waste our school-boy art br To gild this notch of Time;-- br Forgive me if my wayward heart br Has throbbed in artless rhyme. br br Enough for him the silent grasp br That knits us hand in hand, br And he the bracelet's radiant clasp br That locks our circling band. br br Strength to his hours of manly toil! br Peace to his starlit dreams! br Who loves alike the furrowed soil, br The music-haunted streams! br br Sweet smiles to keep forever bright br The sunshine on his lips, br And faith that sees the ring of light br Round nature's last eclipse! br br February 22, 1859.