Lone watcher on the mountain height, Know also when the day is nigh, Thou hast thine office; we have ours; And when He giveth work to do, To pierce the shield of Error through. But not the less do thou aspire Plunge deep the rowels of thy speech. -American. JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, 1819— GRATITUDE AND RESIGNATION. WHEN I survey life's varied scene,— Sweet rays of comfort shine between, Are health and ease my happy share? may I bless my God! Oh Thy kindness let my songs declare, While such delightful gifts as these Be all my hours of health and ease And oh, whate'er of earthly bliss Give me a calm, a thankful heart, The blessings of Thy grace impart, And make me live to Thee. ANNE STEELE, 1760. AYE DO YOUR BEST. THE times are hard, an' fortune shy, The harder work, the greater glory. An' tak my word, ye'll sune be better. Although ye toil for little gear, Though whiles your labour may be slighted, The darkest sky is sure to clear, An' virtue's wrangs will aye be richted Ne'er deem yoursel' an ill-used man, An' tak my word, ye 'll sune be better. Oh sweet is freedom's caller air, An' sweet is bread o' ane's ain winning! To work an' win be aye your care, Great things hae aft a sma' beginning. Let nought e'er ding ye frae your plan, Stick to your creed in ilka letter, Aye strive and do the best ye can, An' tak my word, ye 'll sune be better. JAMES BALLANTINE, 1808— THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH. UNDER a spreading chestnut-tree His hair is crisp, and black, and long, His brow is wet with honest sweat, And looks the whole world in the face, Week in, week out, from morn till night, And children coming home from school And hear the bellows roar, And catch the burning sparks that fly Like chaff from a threshing-floor. He goes on Sunday to the church, He hears the parson pray and preach, And it makes his heart rejoice. It sounds to him like her mother's voice He needs must think of her once more, And with his hard, rough hand he wipes. Onward through life he goes; Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend -American. H. W. LONGFELLOW, 1807- |