SOFTLY, oh softly, the years have swept by thee,
Touching thee gently with tenderest care ;
Sorrow and death they have often brought nigh thee,
Yet have they left thee but beauty to wear ;
Growing old gracefully,
Gracefully fair.

Far from the storms that are lashing the ocean,
Nearer each day to the pleasant home-light ;
Far from the waves that are big with commotion,
Under full sail and the harbor in sight ;
Growing old cheerfully,
Cheerful and bright.

Past all the winds that were adverse and chilling,
Past all the islands that lured thee to rest ;
Past all the currents that urged thee unwilling,
Far from thy course to the home of the blest ;
Growing old peacefully,
Peaceful and blest.

Never a feeling of envy and sorrow
When the bright faces of children are seen ;
Never a year from the young wouldst thou borrow -
Thou dost remember what lieth between ;
Growing old willingly,
Thankful, serene.

Rich in experience that angels might covet ;
Rich in a faith that hath grown with thy years ;
Rich in a love that grew from and above it,
Soothing thy sorrows and hushing thy fears ;
Growing old wealthily,
Loving and dear.

Hearts at the sound of thy coming are lightened,
Ready and willing thy hand to relieve ;
Many a face at thy kind word hath brightened -
"It is more blessed to give than receive."
Growing old happily,
Ceasing to grieve.

Eyes that grow dim to the earth and its glory
Have a sweet recompense youth cannot know ;
Ears that grow dull to the world and its story
Drink in the songs that from Paradise flow ;
Growing old graciously,
Purer than snow.