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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BENEDICTION, by                    
First Line: There's a memory that sweetens
Last Line: And heaven's own surcease.
Subject(s): God; Heaven; Jews; Peace; Paradise; Judaism


THERE'S a memory that sweetens
My father's last adieu,
There's a solemn thought that deepens
When I think of him anew.
'Tis the blessing that he uttered
When I took his last farewell,
The priestly threefold blessing
Our people know so well.

Ah, bless thee, Lord, and keep thee,
His countenance e'er shine,
And gracious be He to thee,
And give thee peace and thine.
His hands were spread in blessing
Above my bowing head,
His blessing lives within me,
His spirit is not fled.

The dear old Jewish custom
Made many a stout heart;
I always felt the better
When thus I used to part.
And though he is gone forever,
To sleep beneath the sod,
I still can hear him lifting
The self-same prayer to God.

Ah, bless thee, Lord, and keep thee,
His countenance e'er shine,
And gracious be He to thee,
And give thee peace and thine.
His countenance be lifted,
And may He grant thee peace,
The goal of earthly living,
And Heaven's own surcease.





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