Page:The Christian Year 1887.djvu/82



To each unknown his brother's prayer, Yet brethren true in dearest love Were they—and now they share Fraternal joys above.

There daily through Christ's open gate They see the Gentile spirits press, Brightening their high estate With dearer happiness.

What civic wreath for comrades saved Shone ever with such deathless gleam, Or when did perils braved So sweet to veterans seem?


 * And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy, and did run to bring His disciples word. St. Matthew xxviii. 8.

TO THE SNOWDROP.

Thou first-born of the year's delight, Pride of the dewy glade, In vernal green and virgin white, Thy vestal robes, arrayed:

'Tis not because thy drooping form Sinks graceful on its nest, When chilly shades from gathering storm Affright thy tender breast;

Nor for yon river islet wild Beneath the willow spray, Where, like the ringlets of a child, Thou weav'st thy circle gay;

'Tis not for these I love thee dear - Thy shy averted smiles To Fancy bode a joyous year, One of Life's fairy isles.

They twinkle to the wintry moon, And cheer th' ungenial day, And tell us, all will glisten soon As green and bright as they.