Volume I Part 88 (1/2)

Thy black sheep's faithful shepherd Who knew not how to flee, Is torn by the desert leopard, And comes wounded home to thee!

Home he is coming the faster That the way he could not miss: In thy arms, oh take him, Master, And heal him with a kiss!

Then give him a thousand cities To rule till their evils cease, And their wailing minor ditties Die in a psalm of peace.

_FAILURE_.

Farewell, O Arm of the Lord!

Man who hated the sword, Yet struck and spared not the thing abhorred!

Farewell, O word of the Word!

Man who knew no failure But the failure of the Lord!

_TO E. G., DEDICATING A BOOK_.

A broken tale of endless things, Take, lady: thou art not of those Who in what vale a fountain springs Would have its journey close.

Countless beginnings, fair first parts, Leap to the light, and s.h.i.+ning flow; All broken things, or toys or hearts, Are mended where they go.

Then down thy stream, with hope-filled sail, Float faithful fearless on, loved friend; 'Tis G.o.d that has begun the tale And does not mean to end.

_TO G. M. T_.

The sun is sinking in the west, Long grow the shadows dim; Have patience, sister, to be blest, Wait patiently for Him.

Thou knowest love, much love hast had, Great things of love mayst tell, Ought'st never to be very sad For thou too hast lov'd well.