Volume I Part 8 (1/2)

Such the plaint that, late and early, Did we listen, we might hear Close beside us,--but the thunder Of a city dulls our ear.

Every heart, as G.o.d's bright Angel, Can bid one such sorrow cease; G.o.d has glory when his children Bring his poor ones joy and peace!

Listen, nearer while she sings Sounds the fluttering of wings!

VERSE: BE STRONG

Be strong to hope, oh Heart!

Though day is bright, The stars can only s.h.i.+ne In the dark night.

Be strong, oh Heart of mine, Look towards the light!

Be strong to bear, oh Heart!

Nothing is vain: Strive not, for life is care, And G.o.d sends pain, Heaven is above, and there Rest will remain!

Be strong to love, oh Heart!

Love knows not wrong, Didst thou love--creatures even, Life were not long; Didst thou love G.o.d in Heaven, Thou wouldst be strong!

VERSE: G.o.d'S GIFTS

G.o.d gave a gift to Earth:- a child, Weak, innocent, and undefiled, Opened its ignorant eyes and smiled.

It lay so helpless, so forlorn, Earth took it coldly and in scorn, Cursing the day when it was born.

She gave it first a tarnished name, For heritage, a tainted fame, Then cradled it in want and shame.

All influence of Good or Right, All ray of G.o.d's most holy light, She curtained closely from its sight.

Then turned her heart, her eyes away, Ready to look again, the day Its little feet began to stray.

In dens of guilt the baby played, Where sin, and sin alone, was made The law that all around obeyed.

With ready and obedient care, He learnt the tasks they taught him there; Black sin for lesson--oaths for prayer.

Then Earth arose, and, in her might, To vindicate her injured right, Thrust him in deeper depths of night.

Branding him with a deeper brand Of shame, he could not understand, The felon outcast of the land.

G.o.d gave a gift to Earth:- a child, Weak, innocent, and undefiled, Opened its ignorant eyes and smiled.

And Earth received the gift, and cried Her joy and triumph far and wide, Till echo answered to her pride.

She blest the hour when first he came To take the crown of pride and fame, Wreathed through long ages for his name.

Then bent her utmost art and skill To train the supple mind and will, And guard it from a breath of ill.

She strewed his morning path with flowers, And Love, in tender dropping showers, Nourished the blue and dawning hours.

She shed, in rainbow hues of light, A halo round the Good and Right, To tempt and charm the baby's sight.

And every step, of work or play.