Page:The Amulet for 1826.pdf/16



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!"