Page:Felicia Hemans in The Amulet 1826.pdf/6



What have I said, my child?—will not hear thee Who the young ravens heareth from their nest? Will not guard thy rest, And, in the hush of holy midnight near thee, Breathe o'er thy soul, and fill its dreams with joy? Thou shalt sleep soft, my boy!

I give thee to thy God!—the God that gave thee, A well-spring of deep gladness to my heart! And precious as thou art, And pure as dew of Hermon, He shall have thee, My own, my beautiful, my undefiled! And thou shalt be His child!

Therefore, farewell!—I go; my soul may fail me, As the stag panteth for the water-brooks, Yearning for thy sweet looks! But thou, my First-born! droop not, nor bewail me, Thou in the shadow of the Rock shalt dwell, The Rock of Strength—farewell!"