́ith God a day endures alway; thousand years are but a day. God said in heaven, "Nor day nor night Then Gabriel, like a rainbow's birth, Spread his wings, and sank to earth; Lived there, and played the craftsman well; New worlds that from my footstool go; I miss my little human praise." Then forth sprang Gabriel's wings; off fell With his holy vestments dight, And all his past career Came back upon him clear, Since when, a boy, he plied his trade, Vain was thy dream for many a year: The chorus of creation stopped! Go back, and praise again The early way, while I remain. With that weak voice which we disdain, Back to the cell and poor employ; Become the craftsman and the boy!" Theocrite grew old at home: A new pope dwelt in Peter's dome. They sought the good God side by side. R. Browning. 13. THE CHILD AND THE ANGELS. HE sabbath's sun was setting low THE Amidst the clouds at even: "Our Father," breathed a voice below,— "Father who àrt in heaven." Beyond the earth, beyond the clouds, "Thy kingdom come,” still from the ground That child-like voice did pray; "Thy kingdom come," God's hosts resound Far up the starry way. "Thy will be done," with little tongue That lisping love implores; "Thy will be done," the angelic throng Sing from the heavenly shores. "Forever," still those lips repeat Their closing evening prayer; "Forever," floats in music sweet High 'midst the angels there. Charles Swain. 2 14. THE CHILD AND THE DOVE. HERE sitteth a dove so white and fair, TH Tall on the lily spray, And she listeth how to Jesus Christ The little children pray. Lightly she spreads her friendly wings, And unto the Father in heaven she bears And back she comes from heaven's gate, And brings that dove so mild From the Father in heaven who hears her speak A blessing on every child. Then, children, lift up a pious prayer: It hears whatever you say, -- That heavenly dove so white and fair, All on the lily spray. Fredrika Bremer (Trans. by Mary Howitt). Thou knowest my resting and my rising; And layest thine hand upon me. Whither shall I go from thy Spirit, And whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I make my bed in the under-world, behold! thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; And thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness will cover me, Even the night shall be light about me. |