I SEEK in prayerful words, dear friend,
My heart's true wish to send you,
That you may know that far or near
My loving thoughts attend you !

I cannot find a truer word,
Nor fonder to caress you ;
Nor song nor poem I have heard
Is sweeter than " God bless you ! "

"God bless you!" so I've wished you all
Of brightness life possesses ;
For can there any joy at all
Be yours unless God blesses !

"God bless you!" so I breathe a charm,
Lest grief's dark night oppress you,
For how can sorrow bring you harm,
If 'tis God's way to bless you !