XXXV.

ODOURS.

I.

Oн, the bean-field in blossom, the mown grass, the

clover,

The dew-besprent rose from the hand that we

love,

Breathe the sweetest of scents, if ye search the

world over,

On hills, or in vallies, in garden, or grove.

II.

Like the stream from the mountain, how soft, but how mighty

Their influence to brighten, and gladden, and bless!

Say, ye who delight in such odours, delight ye
In aught else so much, save affection's caress ?

III.

In aught else of the earth? for the spirit that

soareth,

Knows something far higher, far sweeter to love : "Tis the smile of approval from Him it adoreth— The fragrance that breathes through the garden above.

IV.

Oh, thither then oft let the scent-laden breezes, And hallowed fond whispers from creatures below,

Waft upward the soul, till Omnipotence pleases That there, never more to return, it shall go.

XXXVI.

ENDURING JOY.

"I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."-Hab. iii. 18.

I.

THIS heart hath rapturous feelings known
From sunny things of earth;

But aye, like music's sweetest tone,
They perished in their birth!

II.

Methought there ever came with such
A voice, a mystic breath,

Like fragrance from too rude a touch,
Telling the floweret's death.

III.

Joy, from the height to which I rose,
So quickly changed to fears,
That not the lark, with pinions close,
More swiftly disappears.

IV.

But I have found a joy that lives :
Yet not from things of earth:
It is a viewless hand that gives;
And 'tis of heavenly birth.

V.

Sweeter than music from the lyre,
Or perfume from the flower,
It rises like the lark, but higher
Than he has strength to tower.

VI.

And often too it soars above:
But thence again it bends
Its course to earth: on wings of love

It rises and descends.

VII.

Oh! rather He, from whom doth spring

All love, all joy, all good

Who gives the lark his buoyant wing,
And man his "angels' food; "—

VIII.

He is its giver, author, source:
Oh! for a seraph's hymn,
To tell to all, with winning force,
What joy is found in Him!