Page:The Christian Year 1887.djvu/130



Ye dwell beside our paths and homes, Our paths of sin, our homes of sorrow, And guilty man where'er he roams, Your innocent mirth may borrow. The birds of air before us fleet, They cannot brook our shame to meet - But we may taste your solace sweet And come again to-morrow.

Ye fearless in your nests abide - Nor may we scorn, too proudly wise, Your silent lessons, undescried By all but lowly eyes: For ye could draw th' admiring gaze Of Him who worlds and hearts surveys: Your order wild, your fragrant maze, He taught us how to prize.

Ye felt your Maker's smile that hour, As when He paused and owned you good; His blessing on earth's primal bower, Ye felt it all renewed. What care ye now, if winter's storm Sweep ruthless o'er each silken form? Christ's blessing at your heart is warm, Ye fear no vexing mood.

Alas! of thousand bosoms kind, That daily court you and caress, How few the happy secret find Of your calm loveliness! "Live for to-day! to-morrow's light To-morrow's cares shall bring to sight, Go sleep like closing flowers at night,  And Heaven thy morn will bless."


 * I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Ephesians iii. 13.

Wish not, dear friends, my pain away - Wish me a wise and thankful heart, With GOD, in all my griefs, to stay, Nor from His loved correction start.