Page:Poems Sigourney 1827.pdf/215

Rh The holy man his peaceful threshold pass'd With hasting step.—The evening meal was spread, And she, who from life's morn his heart had shared Breathed her fond welcome.—Bowing o'er the board, The blessing of his Father's God he sought, Ruler of earth and sea.—Then raising high The sparkling wine-cup, "call my sons," he bade, "And let me bless them ere their hour of rest." —The observant mother spake with gentle voice Somewhat of soft excuse,—that they were wont To linger long amid the Prophet's school, Learning the holy Law their father loved.— ——His sweet repast with sweet discourse was blent, Of journeying and return.—"Would thou hadst seen With me, the golden morning break to light Yon mountain summits, whose blue, waving line Scarce meets thine eye, where chirp of joyous birds, And breath of fragrant shrubs, and spicy gales, And sigh of waving boughs, stirr'd in the soul Warm orisons.—Yet most I wish'd thee near Amid the temple's pomp, when the high priest Clad in his robe pontifical, invoked The God of Abraham, while from lute and harp, Cymbal and trump and psaltery, and glad breath Of tuneful Levite,—and the mighty shout Of all our people like the swelling sea Loud hallelujahs burst. When next I seek Blest Zion's glorious hill, our beauteous boys Must bear me company.—Their early prayers Will rise as incense. Thy reluctant love No longer must withhold them:—the new toil Will give them sweeter sleep,—and touch their cheek