Page:Sarah Sheppard - L. E. L.pdf/62



And seeing what it needs of peace and rest; Life is but like a journey during night. We toil thro’ gloomy paths of the unknown; Heavy the footsteps are with pitfalls round; And few and faint the stars that guide our way; But at the last comes morning; glorious Shines forth the light of day, and so will shine The heaven which is our future, and our home."

Many thoughts of lofty enterprise and glowing patriotism are embodied in the "Birth-day Tribute to the Princess Victoria." As this fine poem is comparatively little known, we shall quote a few verses, valuable alike for the moral feeling and patriotic interest with which they invest our Country and its Sovereign:—

’Twas in a Woman's reign uprose That soul of enterprise Which since has borne our English flag Thro' foreign seas and skies.



And more than glory, or than gold, May British merchants say, Look on what blessings infinite Have followed on our way.

To civilize and to redeem Has been our generous toil; To sow the seeds of future good In many a thankful soil.

Where'er to dark and pagan lands Our path has been decreed; Have we not brought the Christian's hope, The Christian's holy creed?

'Tis from a woman's glorious reign Our English isles may date The honours of their after-hours, The triumphs of their state.