THE WIFE'S ADIEU. REV. T. DALE. I SOAR to the realms of the bright and the blest, And hence, though my heart throbs exultant to die, I dread not another, more fond and more fair, And my heart's choicest blessing for ever be thine! I fear lest the stroke which now rends us apart, The vain world should lure thee to look for it there. F But oh! should it tempt thee awhile to resign Should the light of His glory be hidden from thee, Remember the hope that enlivens me now, Though the damps of the conflict are cold on my brow~ The faith that has nerved me in transport to see The hour of my doom, though it tears me from thee! VICTORIA'S TEARS. ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING. "O MAIDEN, heir of kings, A king has left his place; The majesty of death has swept All other from his face. And thou, upon thy mother's breast, No longer lean adown, But take the glory for the rest, And rule the land that loves thee best." The maiden wept ; She wept to wear a crown! They deck'd her courtly halls They rein'd her hundred steeds— They shouted at her palace gate, "A noble Queen succeeds!” Her name has stirr'd the mountains' sleep, Her praise has fill'd the town: And mourners, God had stricken deep, Look'd hearkening up, and did not weep. Alone she wept, Who wept to wear a crown! She saw no purple shine, For tears had dimm'd her eyes: She only knew her childhood's flowers And while the heralds play'd their part For million shouts to drown "God save the Queen!" from hill to mart— She heard through all her beating heart, And turn'd and wept ; She wept to wear a crown. God save thee, weeping Queen! Yea wept to wear its crown. God bless thee, weeping Queen! With blessing more divine; And fill with better love than earth's That when the thrones of earth shall be As low as graves, brought down, A pierced hand may give to thee A crown which angels shout to sec: Thou wilt not weep To wear that heavenly crown! THE RAISING OF LAZARUS. MRS ABDY. SAVIOUR Of peace, of mercy, and affection! Great was thy might to succour and to save, When Bethany's sad sisters in dejection Led thee to weep upon their brother's grave. Thy word was spoken: they beheld in wonder That blessed word reverse the spoiler's doom; Thy presence broke the bands of death asunder, Thy voice restored the tenant of the tomb. Lord, though to serve thee humbly we endeavour, Some friends for whom our secret tears are shed; The boon of life they seemingly inherit, And in the crowd they bear an active part; But frozen is the dull and joyless spirit, Grace has not touch'd the cold and languid heart. |