Part 5 (1/2)

The wanderers soon Lay down to rest, 'neath starry skies to wait Another dawn, and on the mother's face There must have been a light of joy divine; For had she not held intercourse with Heaven?

Were not its guardian bands around them then In desert weird and wild?

Ye weary souls, Tired travelers on the sands of time, Trust G.o.d and look to him for strength!

The angel of his word speaks faith and peace, And presses to the thirsting lip the cup Of immortality!

MUSINGS

”Childhood and youth are vanity.”

Often o'er life's pathway straying Come sweet strains of long ago, To the chords of memory playing Music sweet and music low.

When upon the gray rock musing 'Neath the tree by childhood's home, In the wild bird's note so soothing Tenderly these strains will come.

Gazing on the deep fringed mountain, Distance robing it in blue, Quaffing the familiar fountain, Each repeats the story too.

Wandering by the streamlet flowing Where we played in hours of glee, Hear its murmurs coming, going, Tell of joys that used to be.

Wandering in the leafy wildwood Sometimes in our leisure hours, In the sunny days of childhood How much fairer seemed its flowers!

Watching from the hill the sunset 'Neath the spreading chestnut tree, Youthful dreams and visions come yet Through the years so magically.

Yet how vain these memories olden If they do not teach the truth That within the city golden Only, dwells perpetual youth.

BARTIMaeUS

”What means this throng?” a blind man said, Whilst begging by the highway side; Begging and blind, and lacking bread, His ears discern the living tide.

”Jesus of Nazareth pa.s.seth by,”

Was answered. Had he heard aright?

Oh, was the heavenly healer nigh, He who could give the blind their sight?

”Jesus, have mercy!” lo, he cried, ”Oh, son of David, pity me!”

And when the jeering crowd deride, His accents form a clearer plea.

Jesus stood still. A kindly voice Bade him good cheer--”He calleth thee.”

Thus must his lonely heart rejoice, ”He thinks of me; yes, even me!”

Bartimaeus found the Living Light Who asked and granted his request.

His blinded eyes received their sight; With joy he followed with the rest.

How oft when Jesus pa.s.ses by, The heart-blind hear but don't perceive, Else how they would for mercy cry Ere Christ their Lord should take his leave!

Like him of whom this story's told They'd pray, ”Lord Jesus, pity me!”