Page:Poems Sigourney, 1834.pdf/50

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'mid the crowded city glide The gorgeous trains of pomp and pride, Till even the labouring pavement groans As Folly's surges wear the stones, And through the reeking air doth rise The tide of Fashion's heartless sighs— What speaks from tower and turret fair, With solemn knell? To break the despotism of care, And fearless warn the proud to prayer? The Sabbath Bell.

From yonder cottage-homes where meet, Round the low eaves, the woodbine sweet, And the young vine-flower peering through The rustic rose-hedge rich with dew, Pours on each passing Zephyr's breast A gush of fragrance pure and blest; What lures gay childhood's throngs away? Why quit they thus at morning ray Their native dell? What lures them to God's temple door, Their holy lessons conning o'er? The Sabbath Bell?

The chastened spirit, worn with care, That scarce can lift its burdened prayer Above the host of toils that thrust Its broken pinion down to dust,