For the Birthday of Dr. Geo. Briggs

The solemn sound of ocean’s roar
Along the red Seaconnet shore
     Taught grandeur to the musing Bay;
The dance of ripples on the deep
By summer breezes rocked to sleep
     Fulfilled his heart with quiet joy.

Now far up Life’s sublimer height – 
Shall not his pensive soul delight
     In glimpses of that vaster sea – 
And hear with blissful awe the sound
Of its majestic waves that bound
     The green hills of Eternity?

Who walks with God doth rise and climb
To heights of Being more sublime
     Where ever-broadening vistas ope
The joy and wonder of the Child
Go with his spirit undefiled
     Whose Heaven in Life, and not a hope!