Page:Near nature's heart; a volume of verse (IA nearnaturesheart00jack).pdf/114

 The prints of spear and nail which with utmost woe were driven, Till thy life and all thy matchless wealth were given For captive and vexed sinners like to me, To set them free, In hope of peace and heaven.

Since that awful day the changing seasons have faster flown, And what must I to men make known? After the passing of two thousand years Of man's bravest fights, greatest victories and fears, With ofttimes self-imposed torment and tears, Thy transcendent heights for me are more increased— Thou savest me, the very least.

Thou ancient and invisible I Am Art one with Heaven's youthful, adorable Lamb, For looking by faith behind the veil I see The cross still piercing through thy very heart, Thy great salvation to impart; And herein I'll glory eternally. Accept my life and this my final, whole-hearted word, O ever living, ever loving, most glorious Lord.

DEATH'S DOOM

Thou hast no sting, Terror none, O doomed Death; My whole duty done, I shall welcome thee.

To the vigilant and victorious, Thou bringest the better, Quite unwittingly, The higher, and yet The highest.

Thou art the open gate To Life, Thou rapacious mocker, Thy dark, grim visage Is transformed into a beacon of light, Balmy, buoyant, beautiful.

A new glory has the sun At his setting, Giving yet greater beauty to his resplendent light, For myriads of admiring men, For sated beasts and singing birds at eventide. Life-kisses are cast upward To receiving and ever grateful stars and starlets,