The very winds that rocked her on the height, Might sooner rest than she, while seeking rest in flight. V. Then learn, my heart, what wisdom's voice would teach, And, though the silly bird may guiltless rove, In thee, forget not, 'twere but to impeach Alike thy Father's wisdom and his love : In this best home let all thy joys be sought, And this be chiefest still-that God appoints thy lot. LIII. DEATH. (THOUGHTS FOR THE CHRISTIAN.) "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."-ECCLES. xii. 7. I. WHERE in its solemn gloom the yew-tree stands, Shadowing the pathway to the House of God, And ceaseless sighing o'er fresh weeping bands, This form will rest ere long beneath the sod. It may II. be when the birds and flowers of spring With songs and odours fill the vernal breeze, Or when the summer bird's unwearied wing Skims the green lawn with ever graceful ease. III. It may be when the autumn winds have blown O'er fields and woods, where I have loved to stray; And all around the withered leaves be strown, Like me to moulder in the dust away. IV. Or haply from a home which hath for me Had peaceful charms no other spot could show, This form conveyed with solemn step shall be, While winter weaves her soft white robe of snow. v. Lord both of life and death! Thy will be done! And that at last, when life's fleet race is run, VI. Nor yet the body to retain it long; For thou hast ransomed both with priceless love : These eyes shall see Thee, and these lips the song Of praise shall utter 'mid the blest above! LIV. KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERIENCE. "O taste, and see that the Lord is good."-PSALM XXXIV. 8. I. To one who from a polar home The sweetness of the honey-comb II. What likeness could the eternal snows, And icy regions yield To that which where the floweret blows, The bee delights to build? |