Page:A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.djvu/186

Rh Sobs, sighs, that soon to tear-showers led, As gentle as those tear-showers sweet That Mary Magdalene shed Upon her blessed Sav1our's feet; As precious as the perfume rare Lazarus' sister with her hair Long-flowing softly wiped away; Tear-showers abundant as were thine, Best loved Apostle called divine, Before thy hallelujah-day.

Dumb prayers from a heart that throbs! Holy desires that upward mount! 'What lute shall interpret these sobs And sighs and tears that none can count! Who shall the mystery explain Of this vexed heart that strove in vain To hush itself, yet had no tone Articulate? Ah, who shall tell What winds of autumn in the dell Among the naked branches moan?

It was an offering with a cry Like Abraham's—a yearning strong! It was a struggle last and high For her whom he had nourished long. It was a retrospective glance Upon his past life's vast expanse— A sinner rescued from the fire! One cry unto the Judge sublime That for this victim every crime Might be effaced, and quenched all ire.