Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 1.djvu/248

 240 RECOMPENSE.

��BECOMPENSE.

��One law, among all wondrous laws, For us the great Creator made,

Linked closely with effect and cause ; Bold contrast — light and shade.

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��Deep in its mystical reserve

Explores the artist, wrapt in strange Excitement, as with trembling nerve

The brush is working change.

Deeper, and with a ruling touch. Sublime in each conception, paints

Dame Nature, rearing contrasts, such As harmonize with saints.

Extending on to ev'ry soul,

By it God speaks : " Drink ye who thirst. While onward pressing to the goal —

" The last shall enter first."

Emerging from the deepening night Into the brightness of mid-day,

To that vain-longing, clouded sight, Intense would glow each ray.

Crusts to the famishing beggar-child As sweetmeats to the favored are ;

To sharpened taste unreconciled, Those sweets, how sweeter far !

We, who could always lightly trip O'er the bright greensward of our youth.

Guessed not our crippled mate could sip Joys greater ; yet 'twas truth.

So martyrs in life's tangled way, Deep sunk in secret darkness, will

With eyes re-opened in that day See beauties greater still!

— Boreas.

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