Page:The Christian Year 1887.djvu/201

 That by some ruined homestead builds, And pours to the forsaken fields His wonted lay of love:

Why comes he not to bear his part, To lift and guide th' exulting heart? -  A hand that cannot spars Lies heavy on his gentle breast: We wish him health; he sighs for rest, And Heaven accepts the prayer.

Yes, go in peace, dear placid spright, Ill spared; but would we store aright Thy serious sweet farewell, We need not grudge thee to the skies, Sure after thee in time to rise, With thee for ever dwell.

Till then, whene'er with duteous hand, Year after year, my native Land Her royal offering brings, Upon the Altar lays the Crown, And spreads her robes of old renown Before the King of kings.

Be some kind spirit, likest thine, Ever at hand, with airs divine The wandering heart to seize; Whispering, "How long hast thou to live, That thou should'st Hope or Fancy gave  To flowers or crowns like these?"


 * As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua i. 5.

The voice that from the glory came To tell how Moses died unseen, And waken Joshua's spear of flame To victory on the mountains green, Its trumpet tones are sounding still, When Kings or Parents pass away, They greet us with a cheering thrill Of power and comfort in decay.