Or rose bedewed by showers, It seems to say No tale of guilt these buds can tell, Here lies Creation's loveliest ray. Joy can adorn a smile, Or gild a tear, Bask with the bridal file, Or funeral bier; "Twill chiefest shine Where saints and angels joined appear, And laud th' Omnipotence divine. PEACE. PEACE is that calm repose Which Heaven alone can give; It soothes the troubled mortal's woes, Calms the lamenting bosom's throes, And bids the dying live. Peace as a phantom flies The conscience-tortured breast, Its healing power to such denies,— It seeks the contrite heart's disguise, 'Tis there it loves to rest. Perchance it breathes awhile Around the moonlit shade, Or brightens with its placid smile The new-born babe, devoid of guile, Nor yet by sin betrayed. But when, as on a 'whelming flood, This world's vain pomp has flown; For those redeemed by Jesus' blood, A peace the world ne'er understood Remains around the throne. ECCLESIASTES, III. 21. "Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward ?" COME back! come back! thou art fleeting far Slumber, to rest thee from things below. Come back! come back! thou hast left us all Sorrowing sad on this earthly ball, The moist tear is dimming each brilliant eye, Which would sparkle in splendour if thou wert but nigh. Come back! come back! whither, roaming high, Love's best affections and love's sweet sighs Summon thee down from those crystal skies. |