Ann Plato

On the Dismission of a School Term

Ah, children dear, the hour draws near,
The sentence speeds--to part, to part;
Come try and treasure in each heart,
Instructions of superior worth,
What we have gain'd the winter past,
O, let it not be lost at last,
And let it not be turned to mirth.

Guide thou their steps to endless love, and bliss,
Rule thou in peace their Father. And in this,
Forgive in us, whate'er has been amiss.

Improve your privileges while you stay,
Ye pupils; so that on that great day,
Humbly may have to say,
Judge Father! For in thee we trust,
Christ our Saviour deign'd to die,
And we believe--we altogether must:
And thus conclude my lay.