Still to wander, weary pilgrims, Little réck they of the dangers, Little reck they of the woes, Urged along by strong endeavour, Heedless both of friends and foes: Gazing on the shadow moving Over plain and over mountain,— Down the steep and pathless hollows Over stream, and trackless ocean, Ever waiting there to thunder At the bidding of the sky : Tossing on the angry billow, Heart and soul beset with fear, Yet with longing all unshaken, Onward through the blast they steer: Over marsh, and sandy desert, Leaving many a bone to whiten Through the spring, and through the summer, When the flowers are on the lea; . Through the autumn when the blossoms Through the chill and ghostly winter Through the light and through the darkness, Through the rain and through the snow, Striving onward without resting, Seeking gold above, below; In the earth, and in the water, Never resting, but with spirits Evermore they hurry forward To their purpose o'er life's plain ; With their garments waxing olden, With the vision ever dimmer His glazed eye still feebly turning But a stalwart phalanx presseth Working out their primal mission Through the calm and through the blast, Gathering fitness for the future From the Present, and the Past. Thus enduring, thus pursuing, Come they to the Golden Land ; Find the treasures they are seeking Now they sweetly take their rest; With the light of glory shining From the Godhead on their souls, Whilst above them the broad banner Of Eternity unrolls. CONFESSION. 66 ROSA. FROM THE LITERARY GAZETTE. NAY, holy father, come not near, The griefs that in this bosom swell, The thoughts, the wishes, wild and vain, 'Twere worse than madness to believe Man can his brother-worm forgive, Or yield unto the contrite one That peace which comes from Heaven alone. No let me spend my vesper hour And can forgive it; for He knows How sweetly might I sink to rest, Though 'twere the last dark sleep of death! LINES SUGGESTED BY THE SIGHT OF A BEAUTIFUL STATUE OF A DEAD CHILD. 66 MRS. ALARIC A. WATTS. FROM THE LITERARY SOUVENIR," 1831. I SAW thee in thy beauty! bright phantom of the past; bliss and care, I never have forgotten thee, thou fairest of the fair! Y |