mm%@mmmmmmvmmm/m\ THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. CHURCHES AND THEIR CREEDS. By the REV. SIR PHILIP PERRING, Bart., late Scholar - of Trinity College, Cambridge, Crown 8vo. 10s. 6d. * . Conformists and Nonconformists. *. A Precedent for the Bishops. •. Regulation of Public Worship. 4 . Expenses of Public Worship. 5. Episcopal Ordination. 6. Non-Episcopal Ordination. 7. The Baptismal Service. 8. Everlasting Damnation. 9. Biblical Revision. 10. Passages in the Gospels revised. 11. Gospel accounts of the Resur- rection harmonized. 12. Silver Filings. London : Longmans, Green, and Co., Paternoster Row. " It is impossible not to commend the honesty, straightforwardness,, and in many instances wholesomeness of his views." — Sunday Magazine. "Language always thoughtful, and never offensive." — Church- man's Shilling Magazine. " Much that is earnest, and, we think, well meant, in this volume."" — Christian Observer. "A vigorous book." — Daily Telegraph. " It contains many good things." — British Quarterly. " This book is another instance of the warning, so frequently given to the Church of England, ot dangers arising from evils which it is in her own power to remove." — Tlie Rock. " When the author descends to particulars and gives us his views about matters of discipline and doctrine, we find ourselves for the most part in harmony with him." — Spectator. " He thinks and writes with great freedom and vigour." — Non- conformist. " He will not miss the mark for want of plain speaking." — Standard. " He is thoroughly impartial as between Conformists and Non- conformists .... There are fair papers in the volume on the subjects of ' Episcopal Ordination,' and on the ' Baptismal Services' in the Church of England there is also a reason- ably good paper on ' Everlasting Damnation " With respect to the Revision of the Authorized Version of the Scriptures, he gives us specimens of such a work in revised translations of some of the Epistles, which are done in a scholarly and temperate manner." — Westminster Review. M& fa A./3V,/>,./ .^a % THE SPIRIT AMP THE MUSE CONTAINING ORIGINAL HYMNS AND OTHER POEMS WITH TRANSLATIONS FROM THE ODES OF HORACE REV. SIR PHILIP PERRING, BART. LATE SCHOLAR OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, AUTHOR OP "CHURCHES AND THEIR CREEDS." I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." 1 Cor. xiv. 15. L N D N : LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 1872. IflAN STASK. PREFACE. f& sit 7 To write a long Preface for a little book like the present would be to seem to claim for it a larger amount of attention than it is ever likely to obtain — perhaps, than it deserves. Neverthe- less, the Author is not without a hope that it may find its way into the hands of some to whom it may prove both useful and interesting. There is an attractiveness in the Hymn that there is not in the Sermon, and a few short pieces of Sacred Poetry will often be relished where a con- tinuous Discourse would be positively distasteful. I much doubt whether Clergymen, Heads of house- holds, Superintendents of classes, and the like, are fully aware of the power for good that may be exerted by a free use of Hymns in their minis- trations and services. Children are notoriously fond of them; the poor and illiterate listen to them gladly; invalids can bear this kind of literature when they can bear no other. Nor 542 VI. PREFACE. must it be forgotten that we have by no means yet a thoroughly good collection of Hymns for congregational use ; every one who publishes a volume of Sacred Poetry may indulge the hope that from his, or her, volume may one day be drawn one or two pieces capable of exciting, or at least of expressing, the devotional feelings of thousands. In the matter of doctrine, if I have occasionally allowed myself a freer range than any one of the numerous sects, into which the Church of England is divided, would wittingly and willingly concede to its Ministers, I trust and believe that I have not overstepped those limits, which a careful study of Holy Scripture would lead us to conclude that the great Lord of the Universal Church has graciously marked out for us. I have a Hymn for those who are joined together in Holy Matrimony ; a Hymn also for those who devote themselves to a religious life in cloister or nunnery. Perhaps, too, at a time when efforts are being made to induce the Clergy to desist from reading in the public services of the Church a Creed, so presumptuously precise in its definitions and distinctions, so daringly dog- PREFACE. Vll. matic in its sweeping denunciations, as the so- called Creed of St. Athanasius, my lines on the fr * ' nr possible final restoration of the wicked may be read with somewhat more than a passing interest. But, whatever may be thought of my work as a whole, this at any rate must be conceded to me by every fair critic, that I have imitated no one's style, borrowed no one's ideas, pirated no one's expressions, appropriated no one's metres ; my verses, such as they are, are my own; my sole sources of Inspiration have been the two great Yolumes of God's Word and God's Works. With respect to my translations from the Odes of Horace, I shall claim for them the merit of being fairly literal, and at the same time spirited. The Latin text, which for the convenience of the reader I have had printed alongside of the English version, I have taken from an edition of Horace by C. W. King and H. A. J. Munro, Fellows of Trinity College, Cambridge. My thanks are due, and are now given, to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge for kindly permitting me to reprint from the People's Magazine some ten pieces, the copyright of which Vlll. PREFACE. I had transferred to them. Nor must I omit to thank an old friend, whose name I am not at liberty to mention, for many valuable hints, and much kind assistance afforded me in preparing this, as well as a former work, for the Press. " © S0rtr ; fxom %\n h t\t f jafim, ia ©&**&* fyt jgfaig." CONTENTS. PREFACE ... PART I. ORIGINAL HYMNS AND OTHER POEMS. PAGE. To the Critic ' 1 The Choirs of Heaven 1 Holy Matrimony 3 Taking the Veil 5 Holy Communion ... M 7 Holy Baptism i) The Carrying Angel and the Departed Spirit 11 The Spirits in Prison 14 The Churchyard 18 The House of Mourning 19 Missionary Hymn 21 Good Words and Comfortable Words ... 23 The Christian Sabbath 25 The House of God 27 The Word of God 29 Watchnight , 31 The Close of the Year 33 The New Year 35 Morning ... 38 The Night-watches 40 Peace 41 St. Michael and All Angels 42 The Invisible Presence 44 X. CONTENTS. PAGE. Tie Love of God 47 Christmas 49 The Shepherds of Bethlehem 51 The Sufferings of Jesus 53 Witnesses of the Resurrection 55 Jesus the Life of the World ., 57 Praise to the Lamb 59 Trusting in the Lord 61 A Better Country 62 Spiritual Groanings 64 Whitsuntide 66 Dull Ears, Hard Hearts 68 Jesus the Light of the World 70 Stilling the Tempest 72 The Godly Man 74 Repentance from Dead Works 75 Confession of Sin 76 The Tale of our Sins 78 Christian Wisdom 79 Prayer 81 The Imperfection of our Prayers 84 The Blessed of the Lord 85 The Blood of the Atonement 87 The Blessedness of Poverty 88 Ill-gotten Wealth 91 Almsgiving 93 Divine Treasure 95 Waiting for our Change 96 Heavenly Rest 98 Life in the Wilderness 100 The Christian Soldier 102 Christian Watchfulness 104 The Christian Pilgrim's Progress 106 The Comfort of Sufferings 108 CONTENTS. XI. PAGE. The most Holy Place 110 The Living and the Dead 112 The Trees of Eden 114 The Fallen Tree 116 Culture of the Soul 120 The River of Life 122 The Southern Cross 124 The Lilies 126 Eain from Heaven 128 Living Waters 130 The Fatherland 132 The Temple of the Lord 134 Good Fruits 140 Life from the Dead 141 Seed-time and Harvest 142 The Tares * 143 The Trees of the Wood ..' 145 The Leaves of the Wood 147 The Savour and the Sinner ... ... 148 A Sacrifice for Sin 150 Cruelty to Animals 151 The Good Shepherd 154 The Fishers 156 The Promise of the Father 158 Spiritual Utterances 159 Signs of the Times 161 Hope amid Billows 163 The Carcase-vultures 165 The Last Judgment 170 The Prince of Wales in a Court of Justice 180 llecovery from Sickness of the Prince of Wales 182 National Thanksgiving for the Recovery 184 Marriage of the Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lome 186 The University Boat-race 189 Xll. CONTENTS. PAGE. The Demon of War 190 France and Prussia 191 The Instability of Earthly Greatness 192 The Reds of Paris 194 Reformation 196 On the Death of Sir Charles Clarke 198 The Days of our Age 201 Epitaph on a Poor Man 202 The Power of God 204 The Steam-engine 205 The News of the Day 206 On the Death of Bishop Philpotts 207 Translation of a Latin Epigram 2or PART II. TRANSLATIONS FROM THE ODES OF HORACE. Book I. —Ode I 211 Ode XI 215 Ode XIV 217 Ode XV. .., 221 Ode XXIV. 227 Ode XXXIV 231 Book II. —Ode XVI 235 Ode XVIII 241 Book III.— Ode XVI 245- Ode XVIII 251 Ode XXIII 255 Ode XXIX 259 Book IV.— Ode VII 267 Ode VIII 271 Epodel 275 Epodell 279 The End 286 Index 287 PART I. ORIGINAL HYMNS AND POEMS. V TO THE CRITIC. Think not, man who dost this book review, I fancy all within is good and new, Much it contains has been already said, And may perchance be elsewhere better read ; Much you may deem lacks the authority Of the great Doctors of Divinity, Yet, as in Nature search is not in vain In a large chaff-heap for some golden grain — As, when we ramble on the pebbly shore, We now and then pick up a madrepore, So doubtless in these pages you will find Some matter good and precious of its kind ; That much — my Christmas gift — set down as gain; What's left — the refuse suffer to remain. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE CHOIRS OP HEAVEN. " Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." The music of the Heavenly spheres Is not like that which strikes our ears In this our poor abode, But richer finer harmonies The spirits sing in Paradise Before the throne of God : Yet from the heart of earthly saint Sounds of sweet music, though but faint, As from some lowly shrine, May mingle with the melody Of Heaven's Angelic company, Pleasing the ear divine ; THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. If only God, who liketh well Within the humble heart to dwell, Will set the chords aright, That this poor broken instrument May sound a sweet accomp'niment Meet for the Sons of Light. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. HOLY MATRIMONY. What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Rejoice, ye nuptial twain, Bound by a mystic chain, Fair is the marriage love Which Grod has sealed above. Daughter, who now art wed To this thy lord and head, Let not the serpent's guile Thy simple mind defile. Son, in God's image made, Love thou this holy maid, And be the strength and guide Of her, thv chosen bride. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Let no unseemly strife Break out 'twixt man and wife, Hallow the earthly tie By Heavenly harmony. Observe the solemn troth Here witnessed by you both — One mind, one soul, one heart, One faith, till death shall part. God grant you rich increase ! God grant you joy and peace ! And at the last to rest For ever with the blest ! THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. TAKING THE VEIL. " That ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.' Virgin daughter, who art led To this altar to be wed, Who thy heart and soul hast given Freely to the God of Heaven, Christ thy husband thou dost choose, Christ thy love will not refuse ; Thou shalt be his holy bride, He shall be thy Lord and Guide : Clad in raiment white as snow, None more beautiful than thou ; Faithfulness, and truth divine, Spotless purity, are thine. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Hark ! a thousand thousand times Sound the everlasting chimes ; Angels, unperceived by men, Throng the glorious wedding train. Virgin daughter, from this hour ' Know the Heavens are thy dower ; Earth has nothing to compare With the glories treasured there. Lowly, lowly, lowly bow, Ere thou take the solemn vow ; Then to earth for ever dead, Then to Christ for ever wed. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. HOLY COMMUNION. " Ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." A spotless Lamb, by God's command, Was on the Jewish altar slain, That men might know that blood alone Could take away the sinner's stain ; But none, save Jesus, God's own Son, Could cleanse from sin, or stop the curse ; His body broken, blood poured forth, Redeemed the guilty Universe : The work he finished : now no more Jesus himself is offered up, Yet still, in thankful memory, We break the bread, and take the cup ; THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. And, as in love and joy and peace His people in communion meet, They hail by faith that better feast, When Christ himself with them shall eat. Lord, thy dying love exceeds What men or angels can declare ; Teach us, while here thy death we shew, For thy bright presence to prepare. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. HOLY BAPTISM. " He took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." Mother, with thy precious load, Standing by the Font of God, Know that Jesus did of old Infants in his arms enfold ; Know that he their surety stood, Shedding his atoning blood : He, who died the world to save, Wills this little one to have. See the water, God's own sign, By the word, of grace divine ; Calling on the Holy Name, For thy babe the blessing claim ; We will drop the Heavenly dew, God will form the soul anew ; 10 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Then, upon the infant's face As the Saviour's cross we trace, Pray we that, when called to drink Of His cup, he may not shrink. Heirs of glory ! heirs of bliss ! Such the children who are his ; He will help them through the fight, Crown, and give them robes of white ; When the Lord the dead shall raise, Babes shall rise to give him praise : Now to God the Father be, And, Eternal Son, to thee Blessing, glory, honour, power, Through all ages evermore. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 11 THE CARRYING ANGEL AND THE DEPARTED SPIRIT. " I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." angel speaks : " Hail, Spirit, last from earth, But not of mortal birth, Well hast thou run, Thy labour now is done, Thy life in Heaven's begun ; Put on thee now this robe of Heavenly white, And be for ever now a child of light, Standing in great Jehovah's sight." 12 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. spirit ansvjers : bright ! O best abode ! To rest at last with God ! Expected long, Much sought in prayer, in song, Days, nights, and years, how long ! Exceeding expectation ! far above Where fancy in her highest flight could rove ! Well worth the toil ! God's gift of love ! ANGEL It is as thou hast said, And well art thou repaid All thou did'st dare Bravely to do and bear ; Answered in full thy prayer ; But not one millionth part dost thou yet know Of what Almighty goodness will bestow On thee — on all who loved below. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 13 SPIRIT : Great love ! transcending thought ! Who first us sinners bought With Jesus' blood, Then made us like to God, Now gives us this abode, Where, were we endless ages to remain Just as we are, what lack ? who could complain, Seeing with God, as kings, we reign ? ANGEL : 'Tis so : supremely blest Whose lot is here to rest ; And now farewell : What God shall will, is well ; It is not mine to tell The countless worlds, where countless myriads raise To the great Father everlasting praise For all his great and wondrous ways. 14 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE SPIRITS IN PRISON. " He went and preached unto the spirits in prison, which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah." Alas the lost — the dear, We long since laid upon their bier, Then saw no more ! They lived, they died, in sin ; How could God's holy Angels take them in Th' eternal door ? For them a dreadful doom — Their bodies in the silent tomb Crumbled to dust ; And in a place below ' Th' avenging Angels did their souls bestow : Their doom was just. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 15 Alas ! we mourned them sore, While lasted yet their Life's brief hour ; They would not hear : Have we no tears to shed, Now they are suffering in that prison dread ? They still are dear. What ! may we sympathize With those who dying closed their eyes Foes of God's power ? Is it not now too late ? Must we not own the justice of their fate, And love no more ? O God, tis hard to break, E'en when we do it for thy sake, With those we love : Such love for thee below We feeble creatures cannot fully show — We may above. 16 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. What if we see again Those sinners dear without a stain Of sin and death ! God, thy mighty power After their prison-penance can restore The living breath. How can we disbelieve What thou, who never canst deceive, Thyself hast said, How Jesus from the grave The word of Life to deluged sinners gave, Our King and Head ? Then may not ours be glad, As, musing in their chambers sad, They think of One, Who went himself to Hell, And did of old the cheering tidings tell Of Victory won ? THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 17 And may not we rejoice That they may hear his kindly voice, And see his face ? Then shall those dead trees bloom, The quickened spirits come forth from the tomb, Praising God's grace. For a fuller exposition of the doctrine suggested in this Hymn .see the chapter headed " Everlasting Damnation," in a little work ■entitled " Churches and their Creeds," published by Messrs. Long- mans, Green, and Co., Paternoster Row, London. 18 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE CHURCHYARD. " He giveth his beloved sleep/ Let not the rude unhallowed sound Of riot mirth be heard around The still Churchyard, whose chambers keep Their bodies who have fall'n asleep ; The Lord has called them to their rest ; God grant their spirits may be blest, And, at the great day of release, They may enjoy eternal peace ! Pause, then, and breathe a silent prayer O'er those who lie sepultured here, That God may grant with them to thee A glorious immortality. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 19 THE HOUSE OF MOURNING. " Sorrow not, even as others which have no hope." Mourner, weep ! To shed the tear For the friends we hold most dear, Though they may not see or hear, Is indeed a comfort here : But remember, Jesus said, When the widow's hopes had fled, " Weep not." — At his word the dead Woke, and left the funeral bed. Mourner, weep ! But know that thou Canst not 'scape the common woe ; In a few short years or so, We shall be as those below : Yet we need not moan our fate, Be it early, be it late ; Christ, who burst th' infernal gate, For his coming bids us wait. 20 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Mourner, weep ! But in the day, When the Creature of decay Shall put on his bright array, What, mourner, wilt thou say ? When the saints their Lord shall meet, Friends long-parted friends shall greet, All enjoy communion sweet In the heavens, their lasting seat ! THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 21 MISSIONARY HYMN. " Go, ye swift messengers." High blows the wind, and strong the gale, Which fills the mission vessel's sail ; Go forth, ye noble spirits, go, The Lord himself stands at the prow, The Lord will speed you on your way, Your guide by night, your guide by day, Till ye shall reach th' appointed bay. 'Tis not for gold ye're sailing o'er The mighty ocean's deafening roar ; 'Tis not that ye would fain disown Your native land for lands unknown ; 'Tis not to view with rapt'rous eyes The splendid landscape, splendid skies Of some far distant Paradise : 22 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. A nobler motive prompts your quest, A holier purpose fills your breast ; Moved by the Spirit from above, Yours is a voyage full of love ; The bread of life ye take to feed The famished uations in their need ; Well, Christian merchants, may ye speed ! THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 23 GOOD WORDS AND COMFORTABLE WORDS. My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Men, brothers bold, To sin and Satan sold, Bear not to be the thralls Of him whose bondage galls ; Know, Christ for yon has died, And broke th' oppressor's pride ; His subjects be, Rally beneath his banner, and be free. What ! still remain, And hug the deadly chain ! Shall prisoners refuse The freedom they may choose ? Shall Christ in vain have shed His blood for souls so dead ? Arm for the strife, Do battle for your liberty — your Life. 24 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Brothers, make haste, The precious time ye waste ; Each moment that ye stay Adds danger to delay ; Begin at once the fight, Strong in the Lord your might ; Arise, before The voice which calls is hushed, to call no more. Come, join th' array, There's glory in this fray, Already in the war Jesus is conqueror ; Before the Prince of light, See ! darkness takes its flight : To him be power, And glory, and dominion, evermore. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 25 THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. ; This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Who that has watched the billows roll, Or eyed the wonders of the pole, Or seen the lightning rend the sky, Or heard the thunder rolling by, Or marked throughout the circling year The seasons each its produce bear, Or mused in holy solitude On what is just and true and good, But knows that man is not alone, But cared for by th' Almighty One, Who would his creatures should be blest With holy work and holy rest ; But chiefly on the Sabbath day May we discern the better way ; 26 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. For then did he, who died for men, Jesus our Saviour, rise again, And open out to mortal sight New realms of undiscovered light : Then cease this day from worldly care, And give thyself to praise and prayer, And tell abroad the gracious plan, How God redeemed sinful man. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 27 THE HOUSE OF GOD. " A tabernacle for a shadow." The mercy of the Lord as far exceeds All human mercies, as bright flowers do weeds, Enlivening ever with a constant bloom This desert world, these skies o'ercast with gloom. Thy temples, Lord, are like a hallowed bower, Wherein thy weary pilgrims rest an hour, There, in their journey heavenwards, to be fed By angel-hands with Christ, the living bread. What joy is theirs, to pause, though but a while, And join in holy converse without guile, To praise thee for the wonders of thy hand, And pray for strength to reach the better land ! 28 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Refreshed and strengthened, soon again they rise To brave the dangers of their enterprise, Looking for Christ, their Savionr-King, to come Himself, and take them to their promised home. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 29 THE WORD OF GOD. " When thy word goeth forth, it giveth light and understanding unto the simple." We give thee thanks, Lord, For thy most holy Word ; O write upon our hearts The truths which it imparts : Dispose us day by day Its precepts to obey, And grant, the more we know, The holier we may grow. What here we cannot see But most imperfectly, Teach us by faith to prize As highest mysteries. 30 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. The stars of heaven shall fail, The sun and moon grow pale, Thy Word, Lord, divine Shall more than ever shine. O let the gladd'ning light. Dawn on the realms of night. And to the world proclaim The great Messiah's name. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 31 WATCHNIGHT. " This year also." CHORUS OF VOICES. " take him away ! take him away ! " He's a child of the night and not of the day ! " O take him away ! " ANOTHER CHORUS. " We plead for this sick and drooping soul, " pardon his sin and make him whole ! " make him whole ! " Such were the voices I seemed to hear Just at the close of the dying year, Spirits in conflict, these for my death, Those to prolong yet awhile my breath. 32 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Thousands of Seraphim loud and long Sing round the throne of God their song, Yet doth the faintest whisper of prayer Pierce through His ear, who sitteth there : Methought that in mercy he heard the prayer Of those who besought him my life to spare ! Straightway there flew from the realms on high One of those Cherubs that fill the sky ; Cleansed was my soul from sin's foul stain, Snatched was my soul from Satan's reign ? Strengthened with Heaven's refreshening dew, I fell on my knees and prayed anew : For every prayer which I lifted on high, For every bitter repentant sigh, For every struggle, hearty and true, To forsake my sin, and my duty do, For every cross I bravely endured, For every success by grace secured, Thousands of saints, who had fought and won, Methought I heard crying, " "Well d one ! Well done ! ' THE SPIRIT A1N T D THE MUSE. 33 THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR. "'' Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities." Lord, I pray thee to efface For ever every sinful trace, Which thine all seeing eye can see Clearly in every part of me. Let thy most precious blood atone For all the evil I have done, And grant that I may never be A castaway, good Lord, from thee. Let not the Cod of this world blind And hold in unbelief my mind, But fix my heart on things above, And let me see and know thy love. 34 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Teach, me to spend each passing year,, Rememb'ring them art ever near, Striving in all things to fulfil With all my heart thy perfect will ; That, when I have fulfilled the span Thou metest out to mortal man, I may through mercy have a place With those who see thee face to face. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 35 THE NEW YEAR. " The time is near." Another year has past, Time and the world yet last, Not yet has Jesns come To take his people home. Ye holy men, endure, Your confidence is sure ; Though wickedness wax strongs It shall not be for long, . A little while, and then Jesus shall come again, To give to each his due — Judgment most just and true. 36 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. When Jesus comes to reign, The world — ah ! then how vain Seek ye no earthly prize, Lift to the heavens your eyes. Despise the toil and shame, Your Lord endured the same ; Stand fast and persevere, The time is drawing near. To be with Jesus then, Like Angels, not like men ! Such glory to attain Were worth a little pain. Ye who are waxing faint, Make to the Lord complaint ; Strive but to do his will, He will preserve you still. Ye who have gone astray, Lo ! Jesus is the way ; Ye who are sore opprest, Lo ! Jesus offers rest. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 37 O heed the gracious call Of him who died for all, Now is the day of grace, Now seek the Saviour's face. One universal cry Be raised to God on high For safety in the strife, For the all-glorious Life. 38 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. MOKNING. " How long wilt thou sleep, sluggard ?" Long since has the orient Sun Through the heavens his course begun, Cheering with his glorious ray This fair world another day : Now the bee is on his road, Now the ant has got her load, Now the beasts, though wild and rude, Have by search obtained their food ; Wherefore, man, with sluggard head Dost thou turn upon thy bed ? Up, and use the precious time ; Lo ! Creation's in its prime. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 39 Now the dew is on the grass, Now the lake is clear as glass, Now the earth, refreshed with showers, Yields her, sweetest loveliest flowers ; Now the birds are on the wing, Now their cheeriest songs they sing ; Listen to the whispering breeze, Listen to the rustling trees ; Nature bids thee, man, awake, Nature for thy teacher take ; Up, and use the precious time, Lo ! Creation's in its prime. God, who gave thee thy domain, Bade thee, when he made thee, reign ; Beasts and cattle need their Head. Rouse thee, sluggard, from thy bed : Wherefore tarry ? Art thou loth ? Is thy soul o'ercome with sloth ? Up, and let thine incense rise To the Sovereign of the skies ; Join thy voice in praise and prayer With Creation for his care ; Then to labour — now's the time; Lo ! Creation's in its prime. 40 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE NIGHT WATCHES. " I sleep, but my heart waketh." The sun is sinking in the west, The labourer's hast'ning home to rest, The beast to lair, the bird to nest ; To watch and pray, man, is best. The Angels, ne'er weighed down with sleep, In heaven eternal vigil keep ; Oh ! in the hour of darkness deep Rejoice, ye saints, ye mourners, weep. Now cleanse the soul from earthly soil, Now fill the lamp with holy oil, Now the great Tempter's projects foil, Lest of the heart he make a spoil. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 41 PEACE. There was no more sea. 1 Eestless the waves of human passions swell Over the vast expanse of earth's domains, Never to cease, while earth itself remains With heaven and hell : But when earth, heaven, and hell shall pass away, Then has the Lord ordained with them shall cease- This angry tumult, and instead, the peace Of endless day. 42 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. I ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS. " He shall give his Angels charge concerning thee." In the dark night, when all is still, And men are wrapt in sleep, Angels, performing God's high will, Watch o'er the holy keep : With silent motion through the air Unnoticed they descend, They seek not empty homage here, God's glory is their end. > ■ The sick, the wounded in the strife, The faint, the sore distrest — To these they whisper words of life And dreams of holy rest. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 43 At early dawn with gentle hand They break the calm repose, And onward cheer the pilgrim band Through all earth's toils and woes. Grant, Lord, that, when life's day shall end, And death's dark night is come, Thy Angel-guards may still attend To bear our spirits home. 44 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE INVISIBLE PRESENCE. " And he said, Thou canst not see my face, for there shall no man see me, and live." What holy secret, Lord, is this, That thou dost ever round us dwell ? The earth, the heaven, hell's dark abyss The greatness of Thy presence tell. Our thoughts, our ways, our heart's desire^ Our purpose hid, our plans exprest, Our words, our looks, our life entire, All, all to Thee are manifest. At home, abroad, awake, asleep, "With others, or companionless, In daylight broad, in darkness deep, Thou'rt present, God of holiness. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 45 No voice we hear, no form we see, Nor mighty sign, nor miracle, Yet still, in awful majesty, Thou'rt present, Great Invisible. Amazing thought ! that God most high Should stoop so low, should be so near ! On this vile earth should cast his eye ! Should us poor sinners hold so dear ! Ah ! not to judge — 'tis to bestow Gifts far exceeding, Lord, our due, That Thou dost walk with us below, Albeit hidden from our view : And if the sight of Thee's concealed From these dim eyes, 'tis only till The sin-sick soul by grace is healed, And sight of God would bring no ill. For scarce we bear the sun's bright rays, Or the quick lightning's awful might ; How then could we endure the blaze Of the Creator's glorious light ? 46 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. never could the sinner's eye Behold the Godhead and not die : Come, then, we pray thee, come, Lord, nigh> But come to us invisibly. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 47" THE LOYE OF GOD. " God is love." High in the heavens above Dwells the great God of love, We in this earth beneath Were heirs of sin and death ; But the great God of love Sent his Son from above, And by his living breath Saved us from sin and death : Therefore no longer now Is our life here below, But in the heavens above, Where dwells the God of love ; 48 THE SPIRIT AKD THE MUSE. And like him we shall grow More and more here below, Till again he in love Sends his Son from above : What then our life shall be, We know not ; only He — The Lord in whom we trust — We know is good and just. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 49 CHRISTMAS. " A babe lying in a manger . : Think not that babe, so weak and small, Thou seest in yonder cattle-stall. Is, like the most of human race, Destined for some inglorious place : Hid by a veil of flesh, behold The Christ, whom prophets have foretold, Come now at last, the world to save From sin, from Satan, and the grave. His holy empire shall extend Throughout the earth from end to end, Throughout vast regions of the sky Unviewed as yet by mortal eye : 50 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Therefore it was that shepherds came To see the babe of Bethlehem ; Therefore the wise men from afar Followed the leading of the star ; Therefore all Christian people raise From year to year glad hymns of praise To him, who, though high Lord of all, Was born and cradled in a stall. Man of the world, headstrong and wild, Despise not thou this heavenly child ; If thou hereafter would' st be great, Thine too must be a low estate. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 51 THE SHEPHERDS OF BETHLEHEM. " The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God." When Christ was born and laid In a rnde manger-bed, Poor shepherds of the fold Were first the tidings told : From heaven a glorious light Shone through the dark of night. And Angels from above Sang out the Father's love ; Heaven heard the joyful cry, Earth gave the glad reply : Glory to God in highest realms be given, Peace uponearth, good will to men from heaven.' 52 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Scarce had the Angels gone, The shepherds every one Set out to see the sign Of him of David's line ; With utmost speed they came That night to Bethlehem ; They saw him in the stall, A babe, the Lord of all ; They told the listening crowd What Angels sang aloud, And much the people wondered at the word, But Mary mused the more, the more she heard. No gifts those holy men Took to their folds again ; No rich and sumptuous fare Broke for a while their care ; The cold and dewy night — The stars to give them light — A weary watch to keep Over a flock of sheep — Poor shepherds still, the same As when the Angels came ; Yet, as from Bethlehem they homeward went, They praised the Lord their God, and were content. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 53 THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST. " Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels ? ' The armies of the heavenly hosts Stand watching at their several posts, Ready to draw the glittering sword, If great Jehovah speak the word. Ah ! wherefore then is God's own Son In hour of darkness left alone, Betrayed, condemned, led forth to die A robber's death on Calvary ? Such was th' Almighty Father's will To save the world from deadly ill ; For us the willing victim bled, For us was numbered with the dead. 54 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. A fall atonement now is made, The sumless debt of sin is paid, The Grave is conquered, man is free, We live, we live eternally. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 55 WITNESSES OF THE RESURRECTION. ; Him God raised up, and showed him openly, not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God." Ask we the cause so few, The Lord of life who knew, Beheld him, when from death he rose to view — The holy women, then A group of faithful men, And last in Galilee a humble train : Know, this was God's own way, By which, his wrath to stay, He proved if men would listen and obey : Not in the people's sight, Not in his risen might, Not with a sudden blaze of heaven-sent light — 56 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. In silent power arose From his three days' repose The Lord, the Saviour, startling friends and foes ;:. He stood in flesh and bone, Seen but by few, alone, Himself the witness that the work was done ! He, who did thus appear Of old in vision clear To those who did in humble faith draw near, Has promised to send down His Spirit to his own, Till he shall come Himself, their joy and crown. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 57 JESUS THE LIFE OF THE WOULD. " The Life was manifested." Jesus, for ages long concealed, Jesus, whom God the Father sealed, Jesus, our Life, is now revealed ! They laid him in a manger-bed, They crowned with thorns his holy head, They took him to the tomb when dead. Now, seated on a heavenly throne, He wears an everlasting crown, And Death and Hell has trampled down. 58 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. In every place, the world around, As men tell out the joyful sound, Blessings increase and joys abound. Angels and saints, fall down before Jesus, our Life, in this his hour Of glory and Almighty power. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 59 PRAISE TO THE LAMB. " Worthy is the Lamb that was slain." Worthy to live and reign The Lamb who once was slain, Worthy of honour, worship, power, From all for evermore. 'Tis he who intercedes For us in all our needs, 'Tis he who, when we faint with fear, Sends down the Comforter. 'Tis he who leads his own By paths to them unknown, That he may give them an abode For ever with their God. 60 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. O help us, Lord, we pray, Help us in this our day, That, when in glory thou appear, We may that glory share. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 61 TRUSTING IN THE LORD. " Trust ye in the Lord alway." Those, only those, are truly blest, Who in the Lord Jehovah rest, Not seeking in a world like this A false and transitory bliss. Reserved for faith's triumphant band Are lasting joys in that fair land, Whither the Lord has gone before, That we may go, when life is o'er. There let us fix our steadfast eyes Ear from all earthly vanities ; Short is our life ; this evening's ray May mark the dawn of endless day. 62 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. A BETTER COUNTRY. " Here have we no continuing city but we seek one to come.' In days of trial and distress, When none can aid or give redress, When hearts are cold and hopes are wan, And fear comes over every man, How sweet it is to know there is A happier holier world than this, A world no foe, nor pain, nor pest, Nor sin, nor sorrow can molest, Which they who reach can never cease To live in love and joy and peace — To know, too, that the Lord who bore For ns the Cross has gone before, Has passed within those heavenly doors, That we might know that world is ours — To know that in a few short days, If we but ponder well our ways, THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 63 We may indeed ourselves belong To that most high most holy throng ; Nor fable this, nor idle dream, Nor as the things which merely seem ; This is the Word which God has given, This is the truth brought down from heaven ; When God alone with Christ shall reign, This Word of Truth shall still remain. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. " SPIEITUAL GROANINGS.' 4e Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." While yet on earth To feel the throbbings of the heavenly birth — To rise above the turmoil and the strife Of this most troubled life — Calmly to rest Upon the Saviour's breast, Submissive to the Father's wise behest — What purer bliss To earthly saint than this ? THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 65 Soon to the brink Of this terrestrial world again we sink ; Our fleshly fetters will not let us soar Long on the heavenly shore ; Therefore we sigh For those bright worlds on high, Where reigns the Lord our God in majesty ; There shall our joy Be pure from all alloy. 66 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. WHITSUNTIDE. " His arrow shall go forth as the lightning." When on the holy Jesus fell The Spirit, like a dove, God by that sign designed to tell A mystery of love ; Confined to Israel's narrow bound As yet the glorious Gospel-sound, Where gently Jesus with his word The spirit of his people stirred : But when upon the faithful came, In God's appointed hour, With rushing wind and cloven flame, The Spirit in his power, Sign, then had come the promised day, The Word should speed resistless way, From pole to pole, from sea to sea, With shout, and song, and victory. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 67 Lord, let the lightning of thy word, The thunder of thy power In every clime be seen and heard, Till all mankind adore, Till all are gentle as the dove, And all are fired with holy love, And all resound with glad acclaim The wonders of the threefold Name. 68 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. DULL EARS, HARD HEARTS. " He causeth the wind to blow, and the waters flow." Blow, wind ; beat, rain ; Come, thou swift hurricane, And echo forth thy voice to sinful men ; Stun their dull ears, Wake up their dormant fears, And make them think of past and coming years. Th' Almighty's breath Through the world's length and breadth Carried the tidings forth of life and death ; Calm as the dove Descending from above The Spirit whispered words of heavenly love. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 69 Man in his pride God's truth has quite defied, Himself his counsellor, his trust, his guide ; The pedant's lore, Earth's yellow glittering ore — These are the idols that he falls before ! Blow, wind ; beat, rain ; Come, thou swift hurricane, And echo forth thy voice to sinful men ; Stun their dull ears, Wake up their dormant fears, And make them think of past and coming years. 70 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. JESUS THE LIGHT OF THE WOKLD. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." When in the wilderness, Faint and provisionless, Israel was wandering, God's overshadowing Fiery presence in glory was seen. Christ, like a beacon-light, Shines through the dark of night, Leading the saints of God By the way he has trod, Till they reach safely in heaven their abode- THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 71 Christian wayfaring men, Take up your crosses, then ; Jesus both can and will Guide and support us, till We too come safely to Zion's fair hill : There shall all labours cease, There shall be joy and peace, There every living thing Shall without ceasing sing Praises to Jesus, our God and our King. 72 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. STILLING THE TEMPEST. . " The wind and the sea obey him." The wind, it came down with a gusty sweep From Galilee's hills on the peaceful deep, Which was lifted on high by the tempest's breath, And threatened beneath with the chasms of death. The hearts of the sailors were valiant and true, But fiercer and fiercer the wild wind blew, And the billowy surge swept over the deck, And the ship was covered, and all but a wreck. There was but One who had power to save The poor stricken souls from a watery grave, But He lay, in spite of the storm on the deep, Behind on a pillow, and fast asleep. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 73 The disciples made haste the Lord to awake, To behold the tempest that shook the lake ; " And carest thou not, good Master " — they said — " save us, we perish without thy aid." Then the Lord arose, and rebuked the deep, And commanded the winds to be hushed in sleep, And the winds and the waves that instant cease, And all is again in perfect peace. 'Tis thus, as we sail o'er the waters of life, We are tost on a sea of tempestuous strife, But the flood shall not drown us, our Guardian is he Who can still with a word the wind and the sea. 74 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE GODLY MAN. " The world passeth away and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." Shifted by every wind that blows, Nor rest nor peace the worldling knows. Unsafe his path, unfixed his aim, His highest hope an earthly fame. The man of God holds straight his course, Unshaken by the tempest's force, His trust is in the Lord most high, His hope a mansion in the sky. Lord, give me grace with all my heart To choose and loye the better part, That, when this world shall cease to be, I may in Heaven thy glory see. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 75 REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS. " Prepare to meet tliy God." O sinner, thou the path of life hast trod, But not with God ! Soon will a few short years have passed away, Say, sinner, say, What then the world to thee with all its show ? Nothing, I trow : Dar'st thou then meet in yon dark world alone The Holy One ? Dar'st thou then stand before him, calm and brave, Child of the grave ? Will not the very thought that He is near Thrill thee with fear? When he shall call thee to account at last For sins long past, What wilt thou say to him, or how withstand His mighty hand ? Turn — for thy G-od is merciful and just — Or die thou must. 76 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. CONFESSION OF SIN. " If we confess our sins, he is faithful andjust to forgive us our sins. ! Those evil humours which oft lurk within These mortal frames of ours, the fruits of sin, Better discharge through sundry fleshly pores, Red pimples, ugly blisters, ulcered sores, Than let them unimpeded run their course, And by degrees poison life's very source : Just the same law effectual will be found To make the spirit as the body sound ; The act of sin, which baffled every eye, Save His, who seeth all iniquity, If closely harboured in the sinner's breast, And unrepented of and unconfest, Will poison with its taint each vital part, And at the last defy all healing art. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 77 Therefore the great Physician with the knife Would probe the wound, to save the precious life : Thou, who art conscious of some sinful sore Eating unseen into thine inmost core, Go, seek the Healer, ask him to impart Health to thy soul, and tell him all thy heart ; For better far confess the sin, than wait Until the sickness spreads, and it's too late. 78 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE TALE OF OUR SINS. " Who can tell how oft he offendeth ? : As many as the stars which in the heavens are seen; As many as the flowers, strown gaily o'er the green; As many as the drops, descending in the shower ; As many as the leaves, which fall in Autumn's hour; As many as the sands, which lie upon the shore, So many are the sins, alas ! which we deplore ; Our only hope is in the blood Of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 79 CHRISTIAN WISDOM. " Christ the wisdom of God." The highest wisdom which this world can give Can never teach us how we ought to live, And yet, if this we know not, all we know Doth but increase our heritage of woe. If we would seek true wisdom to attain, We first must know that Christ alone is gain ; The countless treasures of the heavens and earth, Lacking this treasure, are as nothing worth. Long may we search with travail and with pain, And think, because we find not, search is vain, Yet must we not despair, but persevere — Oft, when we think him furthest, Christ is near. 80 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Leave we to him to fix the time and place, The measure and the manner of his grace, In all his dispensations let ns rest, Of one thing sure, that He knows what is best. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 81 PRAYER. " Pray without ceasing." Cast, O my soul, aside Thy sorrow and thy fear ; No matter what betide, Do thou to God draw near. Draw near unto the throne, The Father's throne on high, Where sits the only Son In gracious majesty. The Lord is still the same, Thy heart and voice prepare ; In his most holy Name Draw near, my soul, in prayer. 82 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Thou shalt not pray in vain, If thus thou wilt draw near ; Have faith in Him, and then Thy way shall be made clear. But, ere thou dost implore Fresh blessings from above, Forget not to adore Aad thank him for his love ; For all that he has done, For all that he has given, But chiefly for his Son, His precious gift from heaven. And count it not a task Thus ever to draw near ; If they would have who ask, They needs must persevere. In sickness and in health, In sorrow, joy, or fear, In times of want, in wealth, Still stedfastly draw near. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 83 So in the solemn hour, When prayer itself must cease, When He, whose word is power, Shall will the soul's release, Though weeping they shall bear The dead corpse to its place, The soul, borne through the air, Shall see God face to face. 84 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE IMPERFECTION OF OUR PRAYERS. " We know not how to pray as we ought." God, we are so weak, That, even when we seek Thy face in prayer, We know not what to say, We know not how to pray, Nor when, nor where. Fulfil, then, gracious Lord, For us thy promised word, That, wheresoe'er But two or three shall meet In thy communion sweet, Thou wilt be there. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 85 THE BLESSED OF THE LORD. Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." It was not those who pressed And jostled round the Lord, who loved him best ; Not those who in the crowd Were heard to sound his praise with voices loud ; Many were halt and blind, Many, though sound in limb, were sick in mind ; Some shrank in holy fear, And some in silent sorrow shed the tear : Think you, they were unblest ? no ! He gave them rest. 86 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Zacchagus ran before, And climbed to see him up a sycomore, Nor guessed the Saviour's eye Would notice, as mid thousands He passed by ; And one there was who knew That Jesus by a word his works could do, And would not have him come Within a Gentile soldier's humble home : These were the men who heard Salvation's gracious word. It was the Saviour's boast That he had come to seek and save the lost, And oh ! most tenderly He showed to all his love and sympathy, Nor was it only then That Jesus ministered to sinful men f Still does his watchful eye Take note of every tear, of every sigh : So kiud and yet so just Is He in whom we trust. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 87 THE BLOOD OF THE ATONEMENT, i " The blood of Jesus that speaketh better things than that of Abel.' : When Cain had spilt his brother's blood, Earth, which drank up the purple flood, Cried to the Grod of heaven to ban With awful curse that wicked man. The blood of Jesus, who was slain By his own brethren, worse than Cain, Pleads with the Father to forgive, And let the guilty sinners live. O precious stream ! mysterious blood Which from the side of Jesus flowed ! Balm of the soul ! sure pledge and sign Thou, Lord, art ours, and we are thine. 88 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE BLESSEDNESS OF POVERTY. " The love of money is the root of all evil." Who would not rather for his lot Have the poor peasant's humble cot, Where, though his fare were scant and rude, His days were spent in doing good, Than yon large house for his abode Ear from the love and peace of God, Though every dainty decked the board, Which earth and air and sea afford ? Too often riches spoil the heart, And make the man from God depart ; While gloating o'er the golden store, And ever wishing it were more, The eye is dimmed, and cannot see The glories of eternity. What shameful deeds have not been done, THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 89 Prompted by gold, beneath the sun ! What falsehoods told ! what forgeries ! What frauds ! what foul conspiracies ! Thefts, murders, rapines, wars, and blood Flowing in one continuons flood ; The bands of friendship cut in twain — Prayers and entreaties all were vain — The strong exulting in their might, The weak man crushed, robbed of his right ; These left to pine with scarce a crust, Those squandering gold as if 'twere dust : No man can tell the countless crimes Which gold has caused thousands of times. Therefore it was that Jesus taught That this world's riches were but naught ; ' He came not in great pomp and state, He chose the poor man's low estate, To them first preached his blessed word, For them pronounced the great reward, From them he took his faithful few, Leagued with himself his work to do : Who now the rich would idolize ? Or who the poor man dare despise ? Such men have never Jesus known, 90 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Jesus will never such men own ; Though in this world they pass for great, Because they have a fine estate, Because they happen to inherit 1 Prizes of fortune, not of merit,' Yet all so soon as they by fate Have finished with this mortal state, They're destitute and desolate, Their abject spirits left to pine Without one ray on them to shine, While the poor souls, whom they were wont To hold in very mean account, Because they made it their chief pleasure To seek the true and heavenly treasure, No longer in their sorry plight, Shine forth, like stars in dark of night. Then seek not to be rich, my friend, For this world's riches have an end, And they, who in them put their trust, Will find they've gotten nought but dust ; Lift up thine heart, lift up thine eyes, Seek in the Heavens a lasting prize. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 91 ILL-GOTTEN WEALTH. " Woe to him that inereaseth that which is not his ! how long ? arid to him that ladeth himself with thick clay." What hast thou here ? A goodly house and fair, Wherein thou fondly thinkest to remain, And reap the fruit of thine ill-gotten gain ; Have done : Know'st thou not yet Thy sun is almost set, Thy mansion is the portal of the tomb ; And thou must enter soon the dark and dreadful gloom, 92 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Thou hast great store Of gold and silver ore, But not one grain of it thou'lt take away, Soon as thy soul doth quit its mortal clay ; Hast thought That all thy state Is nought Which seems so great, If in the land, where flits the parted ghost, Houses, possessions, gold, nay, thou thyself 'art lost ? Make haste, thou fool, Bring hither line and rule, Build thee a habitation on the Rock, Which shall endure the great and final shock, When all Of earth that's wrought Must fall And come to nought ; There fix thy dwelling, there lay up great store Of that good treasure which doth last for evermore. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 93 ALMSGIVING. " Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Think we, that man shall lose his meed Who helps the Christian in his need, Who for the love of Jesns shows Compassion to the poor man's woes ; Gives gladly of his little store, And only wishes it were more, Nor waits nntil one comes to ask, As though it were some irksome task, But, with quick eye to see the need, As quickly does the generous deed ; Denies himself from day to day To scatter blessings on his way, Nor wearies in the work of love, But trusts in Him who sees above — His fragrance like sweet-smelling flowers After the spriug's refreshing showers — 94 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Or, like the precious ointment shed Profusely on the Saviour's head, His perfume shall mount up on high, And with sweet odour fill the sky — The mighty Lord himself hath said, That man shall never beg his bread ; The Lord shall be his staff and stay, The Lord shall guide him on his way, The Lord shall give him rich increase, The Lord shall give him life and peace, Angels shall bear him to his rest, His place shall be among the blest : When Jesus comes to wake the just From their long slumber in the dust, To endless glory he shall rise, And shine for ever in the skies. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 95 DIVINE TREASURE. " More to be desired than gold." Like to "some hidden mine, Where stores of precious metal shine, Lost in the earth Till labour comes and gives them birth, God's records old, Teeming with wealth untold, Escape the eye Of common folk who heedless pass them by ; But they, who prudently explore, And work for God's good ore, A vast material find Of golden treasure to enrich the mind, Which got, their love for it waxeth so great, That nothing can its force abate ; All other labour counts as nought, Pleasures by them are never sought, One joy alone — God's word to know, For this they bend, for this they bow. 96 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. WAITING FOR OUR CHANGE. " To die is gain." The Lord, who made the worlds above, Made this fair world below, And in it tokens of his love And power all things show ; And, were it not we also see Tokens of sin and death, Here we might almost wish to be For ever drawing breath : But, as with each succeeding year Sorrows and cares increase, We pray not to continue here, But die, and be at peace. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 97 Yet not so much this world, as we, Who need a change of state, Nor can we quite restored be, Till we have passed Death's gate. With bodies changed, with souls renewed, New creatures we shall rise, With higher powers by grace endued, To live in Paradise. 11 98 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. HEAVENLY REST. 1 There remainetli a rest for the people of God.' The Heavenly rest ! Who would not so be blest ? This world so fair ! What doth it yield but care ? And yet we fear To think that death is near ! Death is no foe, 'Twas Grod ordained it so ; When Jesus died, Jesus was glorified ; Death sets us free From earthly misery ; When dead, we are In God's protecting care ; Our friends may weep, But we shall calmly sleep : THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 99 Hope is not dead, When this short life has fled : Hope still survives, And more than ever thrives : Earth is no tomb, Earth is man's second womb ; We rise again, When Jesus comes to reign ; They who are his Shall have eternal bliss. Would we be blest, Seek we the Heavenly rest ; Gain here is loss, Our highest gain the Cross ; Faith, hope, and love — These fit men for above. This life once o'er, We rest for evermore. 100 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS. " The Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. To some wild desert glen Far from the haunts of men God bids us go ; Then be it so, For weal or woe. What though we have our home, Where wild beasts love to roam : Angels are near To minister — We will not fear. When compassed round with pain We shall not call in vain ; Our Saviour bore For us before All this and more. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 101 When in His Name we cry, God will look down from high ; He has the power, He is a tower In danger's hour. Led by His mighty hand, We soon shall reach the land, Where trials cease, Where joys increase, And all is peace. To Him then we will raise Our voices in glad praise, The Father, Son, And Holy One, One God alone. 102 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. " A good soldier of Jesus Christ." Oftimes has the Christian soldier Fronted death upon the field, Taught by Jesus Christ his Saviour Not to falter nor to yield. Strong the forces which assail him, Full of craft the foe's attack, Still, confiding in his Captain, Never will he turn his back. Though his flesh be faint and weary, Though his body stricken down, Yet his spirit, still unconquered, Triumphs in the promised crown. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 103 what glories are reserved For the Lamb's triumphant host, Far exceeding all the sufferings That in this world they have cost ! Onward, then, brave Christian warriors, Still maintain the glorious fight, Let the traitors and fainthearted Choose a base disastrous flight. 104 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. CHRISTIAN WATCHFULNESS. " Watch ye." If God doth, give thee peace. Live not, as one at ease, Idling a way- Life's precious day, Use thy time well, prepare For the return of war : For in this earthly clime All things are changed by time; Nothing so £ure As to endure ; No man, not even the best, Finds upon earth his rest. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 105 Look ! to the fruitful earth Seasons recur of dearth, Grass, which was green, No more is seen ; Winds, which were hushed in sleep, Over the wild waves sweep, Thus too the days of peace, God gives thee here, must cease ; While thou hast rest, To arm 'tis best, Lest haply unprepared Thou find thyself ensnared. 106 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. " Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." Ah. ! wherefore will not men take heed In this their day, their hour of need, And, mindful of the judgment, save Their souls through Jesus from the grave ? When Jesus comes, too late 'twill be To seek to change their destiny. All earthly joys shall then have fled, All friends be numbered with the dead, And none but they, who here below Have drunk with Christ the cup of woe, Shall then behold the blest abode, "Where dwell the saints in peace with God. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 10' Then, Christian brothers, let us take Fresh courage, and fresh efforts make ; Serve not the world in this its hour Of pomp and pride and fancied power ; Through clouds and darkness lies our way To regions of eternal day. The Lord Jehovah calls us on, Our Captain is the Holy One, And, as with joy we march along, Angels will cheer us with their song ; When at the Lamb's high throne we bow, Glory shall crown the victor's brow. 108 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE COMFORT OF SUFFERINGS. " As ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also of the consolation." Repine not at sufferings — we need them to prove The strength of our faith, and the warmth of our love ; By a merciful Father from heaven they are sent, And often as loving corrections are meant. Repine not at sufferings — they bid us prepare Our hearts and our souls and our voices for prayer ; They call us away from the follies of earth, And make us look up to the land of our birth. Repine not at sufferings — the Lord from on high Came down from His glory to suffer and die ; For the gain set before him He recked not the loss, For the sins of the world He was nailed to the Cross. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 109 Repine not at sufferings — the more they increase, The more shall our knowledge of God's blessed peace ; They last not for ever ; God wills them to cease, And then we give thanks for the gracious release. Repine not at sufferings — through sufferings we know How to feel for our brethren, when they are in woe ; The hard heart is softened, the haughty brought low, And the love, which burnt feebly, recovers its glow. Repine not at sufferings — as gold, when refined, Comes forth from the furnace the best of its kind, So all men are proved ; the base suffer loss, The sterling endure, and are purged from all dross. 110 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE MOST HOLY PLACE. : The true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man." Think not these earthly temples are The only houses meet for prayer, In every place the Lord doth hear The true and faithful worshipper. There is a mystic Heavenly shrine, Where sits enthroned the Lord divine, Thither be all thy prayers addrest, There seek the true and perfect rest. Though surpliced priests meet not thine eye, The great High Priest is ever nigh, Thy fellow-worshippers are they Who everywhere the Lord obey. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Ill Go mix thee with, that Heavenly throng, Who day and night their praise prolong, Who some below, arid some above, Are all close knit in bonds of love. 112 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE LIVING AND THE DEAD. " Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him." Mourn not the saints, whose souls have fled, And joined the myriads of the dead ; They rest, they rest, from sorrow free, From sin, and earthly misery ; They would not, if they could, again "Visit the haunts of mortal men ; They would not fight the fight anew, Albeit faithful, valiant, true ; Enough for them once to have spent Life upon earth — they died content ; Their bliss without us not complete, They wait till all in Christ shall meet. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 113 But would'st thou mourn, mourn their sad lot, Who, reft of friends, by man forgot, In silent sorrow and distress Wear out a life of loneliness ; Yea, mourn for those, who in despite Of the High God confound the right, Slaves of the world for gold, for power, Or to enjoy the passing hour ; Mourn for thyself, if thou canst wear Graily a crown of rosebuds here ; If from thy soul the life has fled, Breathe, breathe thou may'st, but thou art dead. 114 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE TREES OF EDEN. " The tree of life in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." When God of old did place in Eden fair The first-created happy human pair, Two trees of divers fruits he there did plant, And made in them a holy covenant ; The one forbidden — whoso ate, should know Both good and evil, heritage of woe ; Not so the other — living fruit it bore, That man might eat, and live for evermore : Eve listened to the Tempter's subtle voice, Put forth her hand and made the deadly choice ; Next gave to Adam ; Adam not afraid, Though conscious of the trespass, disobeyed. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 115 Farewell the beauty of that garden fair ! Farewell the life so free from toil and care ! Ashamed and weeping, our first parents went From Eden to their place of banishment ; And now the tree, the garden, are no more, But sin and death, alas ! we still deplore, 116 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE FALLEN TREE. " Delivered unto death." Tree that hast weathered many a blast, Uprooted by the storm at last, No more shalt thou, with graceful ease, Bend to each fitful passing breeze ; No more, at Spring's return, be seen Rich in thy dress of gladsome green ; No more afford a grateful shade To those who saunter o'er the glade ; The ruthless storm has laid thee low, The axe shall lop thee bough by bough, The fire shall burn thy strength and pride, Which storm and axe and fire defied ; What made thee thus an easy prey ? Was it thine age ? or did decay ? Or has the worm scooped him. a bed Within thy trunk, and on thee fed ? THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 117 Whate'er the cause, cruel the blow. Which laid thee prematurely low, While all around thy compeers tower, Defiant of the Tempest's power. But wherefore muse upon thy state ? Such is my own, such others' fate : A thousand chances ready stand To execute the Lord's command ; The worm, the sword, a passing breath — All are the ministers of death ; Unseen the hand which deals the blow, The blow is dealt — 'tis all we know : To day in life, in health, in bloom — To-morrow tenants of the tomb ! Nor age alone is doomed to fall, Death strikes with cruel axe at all : Scarce has the infant sucked the breast, 'Tis called for ever to its rest; The tender child, like some fair flower, Droops, sickens, dies, in one short hour ; Youth with its hope, man in his prime, There's none who lives but has his time : Not all the treasured stores of earth, Not beauty, wisdom, rank, or worth, 118 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Can interpose a brief delay, Or purchase man one other da}- ; Or rich or poor, or high or low, None can escape the fatal blow. Yet not as trees we fall and die, Ours is a higher destiny ; The Lord, to save us from the doom, Himself lay lifeless in the tomb, Suffered no ravage from decay, Till thrice the sun brought round the day, Then with the golden morn came forth, Bursting the prison-gates of earth, Displayed the trophies of his power In the new life his body bore, And in the fulness of his might, His chosen wondering at the sight, Uplifted to the heaven, withdrew Hid by a cloud from mortal view. Where now, Death, thy vaunted sting ? Where are thy terrors, mighty King ? Hell and the grave are now no more, The Lord from Heaven — He has the power Our God shall come, and at his voice Earth shall be glad and Heaven rejoice, THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 119 The mouldering fragments of the tomb Fresh life and beauty shall assume, And rise in glory to adore The triumphs of his Love and Power. 120 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. CULTUEE OF THE SOUL. " Break up thy fallow land." The sin so small "We scarce can think it is a sin at all Will, if let go, Become at last a mighty world of woe, Just as the seed, Chance-dropt at times, of some pernicious weed, Left in the ground, Will strangle all fair flowers which grow around : Therefore beware, And exercise betimes a watchful cart ; Grudge not the toil, Search well thy heart, and throughly cleanse the soil ; Each lusty vice Cut off at once at any sacrifice ; THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 121 The vacant room Fill with choice plants of everlasting bloom ; Ask God to bless And make more fruitful still thy fruitfulness ; So shalt thou be Meet to be called the Lord God's husbandry ; For His thou art, He owns by right the acres of thy heart, And He has given Whatever flower or fruit in thee has thriven. 122 THE SPIRIT AND THE MCFSE. THE RIVER OF LIFE. He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal' Fountain of life, whose stricken side Gives forth a pure and heavenly tide, Whose living waters' ceaseless flow Gladdens this wilderness below ; As weary on the world's highway I journey on from day to day, I love to rest by thee awhile, And find refreshment from my toil ; I love to stand alone, and gaze, As up and down the bright flood plays* And with the music of the stream To lose myself in holy dream : THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 123 Here on thy pure and hallowed brink Methinks that Angels pause to drink, And, as the waters rise and fall, I seem to hear the Spirit's call ; In yonder wave, which shines so bright, Hope glistens with immortal light, And in those crystal depths I see A mirror of God's purity. Thus musing I forget my care, And soar away to regions, where The saints of God, a countless band, Before the throne in glory stand : There, issuing from the golden mount, "Which hides its deep unfathomed fount, A River, clear as crystal, laves The Heavenly shores with living waves. 124 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE SOUTHERN CEOSS. " Looking unto Jesus." 'Tis said that in the Southern sky The traveller, when night is nigh, Sees in the vault of heaven a sign, A starry Cross, conspicuous shine, Which guides and cheers him on his way, Till breaks the dawn of coming day. 'Tis thus the Christian pilgrims see, Lighting this dark world gloriously, The Cross of Jesus — as they roam, Pointing to their eternal home : They take fresh courage at the view, And joyfully their way pursue. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 125 No harm the Christian can betide, Who takes the Cross to be his guide ; It gilds the portals of the tomb, It lights him through the nether gloom, Till he beholds in brighter skies The world's great Sun in glory rise. 126 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE LILIES. " Consider the lilies of the field." Lilies with your golden hue Glistening in the morning dew, Who more richly robed than you ? Kings cannot, with all their state, Your fair glory emulate. Lilies, you shall die and rot, And your beauty be forgot, One short day and you are not : We, who are but common clay, Shall outshine your bright array. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 127 Eor the same Creative Power, Who has bid you live and flower, Who has fed you with His shower, Has a fairer world than this For the choice ones that are His. In a land of golden light, Clad in robes of Heavenly white, Ever living, ever bright, They their voices high upraise To exalt their Maker's praise. 128 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. RAIN FROM HEAYEN. " Thy clouds drop fatness." Ye clouds of rain, Come round again To swell the grain And make the earth Hasten its birth, Wetting the clod With dew of God- To make this isle With verdure smile, And all its bowers Alive with flowers — Treasures untold Of purest gold Not half so precious are, As the rich drops of moisture ye in heaven do bear. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 129 And yet than you More rich that dew, Which from the throne Of Grod comes down, Causing to live, Causing to thrive Kegions accurst, Dying of thirst, Mens hearts, within Blasted with sin ; There fruits are found, There flowers abound, Life's fruits and flowers which glow Where the quick streams of Paradise for ever flow. 130 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIVING WATERS. St. Govor's Fountain, Kensington Gardens. Not St. Govor, but the Lord Doth this well-spring, man, afford ; Ere thou take the cup to drink, Pause, and of the Giver think ; God, who bade the water flow, Keeps it ever running so ; If it seem to thee but small, 'Tis enough for thee — for all : All may come and quench their thirst, Fares the last, as fares the first : Winter, summer, morn, or eve, Never will this spring deceive, From such mighty depths below Doth it without ceasing flow : Here's a draught, both fresh and clear, For the beggar, for the peer ; THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 131 Money is not here required, Thankfulness alone's desired ; Nor for that its worth abate, Not one drop couldst thou create : What would all thy gold avail, If God bade the water fail ? He alone can give, and He Gives it without stint to thee : Take His gift, then, nor forget There are better waters yet, Precious, priceless, freely given, Not of earth, sent down from Heaven, Living waters which make whole And refresh the thirsting soul : Jesus is their Fountain-head, Drink — or else thy soul is dead. 132 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE FATHERLAND. " We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new- earth." What is the Fatherland ? 'Tis not the land, as the Germans feign, Where the Germans live, where the Germans reign; 'Tis not the land, which was held by our sires, With its peaceful homes and its hallowed spires ; 'Tis not the poor little parcel of earth, Which a man can name as the spot of his birth ; 'Tis not the broadest inhabited space, Which is owned, or is claimed, by a single race ; The Ocean does not encompass it round With its foaming waves and its roaring sound ; They, who would give us a Fatherland so, Give us a land but of change and of woe : Whoso would know what the Fatherland is, Must look in God's book at the Promises ; THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 133 That is the land, which in vision was shown, Which to Abr'am and Isaac and Jacob was known' A land, with milk and honey which flows, A land, which no sin nor sorrow knows, Which only by faith can be here possest, Where the good men departed do find a rest, Where a countless band of the Heavenly host Sing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, A land of joy and a land of love, A true Fatherland in the Heavens above. 134 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD. " Thus saith the High and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose Name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a humble and contrite spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. While wandering on my path alone, Musing of men and ages gone, The Spirit led me to survey The monuments which crossed my way, The tribute of a nation's praise To mighty men of bygone days : Patriot and conqueror were there, The statesman and philosopher, Poet, and orator whose word Thousands in breathless silence heard, Kings, princes, chiefs, now only known By column, statue, bronze, or stone. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 135 Thus was I musing on my way, Methought I heard the Spirit say : " Not many of the men you see « Were worthy of this dignity : " Some, leading forth an arme'd host, " In slaught'ring thousands made their boast ; " Some by a lying eloquence " Obtained a bad pre-eminence ; " Some wrang their riches from the poor, " And turned the widow from their door ; " They coveted an earthly fame, " And on the earth they have a name ; " They left stern duty's narrow path, " And made a covenant with death ; " Their highest aim the world to please, " They gat its honours, riches, ease : " What monument have you passed by " Of Jesus Christ, your Lord on high, " Who heard Creation's heavy sigh, "And stooped from mansions in the sky, " Submitted to become a slave " And for the world his life-blood gave, " Nailed to the Cross the sin and curse, " Gave freedom to the Universe ? " 136 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. I looked, if haply I might see Something to his dear memory ; I saw the vast Cathedral dome, The centre of our mighty Rome ; I heard the old grey Abbey tower Sound forth the solemn passing hour ; A hundred steeples met my eyes, Pointing to Jesus in the skies — Memorials surely these, I said, Of him who lives, who once was dead. " And do you think," the Angel cried, " These spectacles of human pride " Can aught avail to celebrate " The virtues of the good and great ? " Though glorious to the eye of man, " Whose life's a breath, his days a span, " These are no more than common clay, " Destined themselves to pass away ; " Each fleeting year, each month, each day " But marks the progress of decay : " Doubt not, of old great deeds were done " Great battles fought, great vict'ries won, " In ev'ry age they've sought to raise " A lasting monument of praise ; THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 137 " They've hewn the marble from the rock, " Giv'n shape and beauty to the block, " Pourtrayed on canvas to the life " The scene of bloodshed and of strife, " Reared palace, castle, city, tower, " The fancied triumphs of their power ; " Where are they now ? — A few remain " To chronicle that all is vain ; " The most have vanished from their place, " There's not a remnant, not a trace : " Where once exulting millions trod, " The green grass grows upon the sod ; " Where nourished cities great and fair, " There now the wild beast makes his lair ; " And these, too, which you now behold, " Hoary with age, o'er grown with mould, '' Swept by the shock of Time's rude hand, " Shall lie like wrecks upon the strand, " And haply some one passing by " In days to come shall heave a sigh, " And cry, ' Alas the vanity ! ' " If outward object could proclaim " The greatness of the Saviour's name, " No need of human skill or power, 138 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. " Nor stately dome, nor massive tower, " Nor statuary's plastic art, " Nor painting's vivid counterpart, " Nor gold, nor precious stones, nor brass, " Nor carved oak, nor stained glass : " Behold the heavens spread out on high, " The earth with all its majesty, " The mountains standing in their pride, " The mighty ocean's restless tide, " The sun and moon's unfailing light " To rule the day and rule the night — " This were a fitting Temple, where " The whole Creation joins in prayer ; " This were a worthy monument " Of Him who is omnipotent. " But would you know the hallowed cell " Wherein the Saviour loves to dwell ? " Go seek the man of lowly life, " Who keeps his tongue from guile and strife, *• Harbours no malice in his heart, " Cleaves close unto the better part, " Pure as the Angels are above, " Strong in the power of faith and love, " Walking in pleasant paths of peace, THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 139 " Looking for death as his release, " No stately structure of decay, " No cold fair form of lifeless clay, " A living Temple, holy shrine, " The image of the Lord divine, " This is the man, yes, this is he " Who keeps alive Christ's memory.' 140 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. GOOD FRUITS. ! Their works do follow them." Naked as when we left our mother's womb We're carried to our tomb, Yet not for that is life of little gain ; Our holy deeds remain : For as in Autumn-time, When fruits are in their prime, An aged tree, set in an orchard fair, Can scarce unpropped its load of fruitage bear y Then comes a storm, and, smitten by the blast, It holds no longer but succumbs at last, Yet even in its fall it has not lost The mighty load of fruit which is its boast ; So we must bow the head, And join the countless dead, Yet good men are not left, Even when dead, bereft ; They bear with them below a glorious load Of good fruit as an off ring to their God. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 141 LIFE FROM THE DEAD. " The shadow of heavenly things." These outward tilings — how much they show Of things above to men below ! They liye, they die, they rise again — Lesson of hope to mortal men : Planted in this God's earthly bower, We blossom just one little hour, Our blossom fades, we droop, we die, And in the earth awhile we lie, Till, in the world's great Springtide, we Shall by God's Spirit quickened be, And richer fruits and flowers display In brighter climes an endless day. 142 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. SEED-TIME AND HARVEST. " Look down from thy holy habitation, and bless thy people Israel." Unfruitful though I be, And barren, Lord, to thee, Yet do thou come to me, And sow my heart again With thy most holy grain, And make it take deep root, And live and upward shoot, That, when thy Angels come To take the Harvest home, A large and goodly yield Be found in me, thy field, And precious golden store Erom me be gathered in to Heaven's great garner floor, For which to Thee will be the praise and glory, Lord, for evermore. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 143 THE TARES. " Whence hath it tares ? " Thou wicked weed, Who dropped thy seed Into the earth To cause a dearth, Aping so vain The goodly grain ? Some damned wight, The child of Night Or goblin foul, Or loathsome fowl, Or hell-born breath Laden with death : Thou shalt not stay To mock the day, Thou shalt not curse The ground thy nurse, Thou shalt not spoil The reaper's toil ; 144 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. This hand shall tear And lay thee bare, So that thy root No more shall shoot; There thou shalt lie ; And there shalt die, The sun's hot flame Shall burn thy shame, Storms with their lash Shall drive thine ash : This is thy meed, Thou wicked weed. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 149 THE TREES OF THE WOOD. " That which is crooked cannot be made straight." As, walking through a wood, one sees Some straight, and other crooked trees, And even those, which straight est grow, Are not quite faultless every bough, , While e'en the crookedest we see Yet have a naked dignity ; So in the world — some men are good ; These are the straight ones of the wood ; Others are badly natured ; these, Just like those crooked ones, displease : Yet take the best, you will not find That they are perfect of their kind ; Or take the worst, and they excel In parts the ones you like right well ; 146 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Thus Nature tells us to beware, And both our praise and censure spare ; For not a soul beneath Heaven's vault But hath or here or there a fault, Nor one so monstrously misgrown But hath some beauty for its own. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 147 THE LEAVES OF THE WOOD. : As of the green leaves on a thick tree, so is the generation of flesh and blood." Bright green, and then a darker hue, But still most rich the foliage is to view ; Then darker still, but just A little marred with the sun and dust ; Ere long the forest is one mass of gold, Which tells us that the leaves are getting old ; Then let the north wind blow, or only just A little breeze, or sharp and sudden gust, Soon all the glory of the wood is seen Scattered, or piled in heaps upon the green ; The trees have lost their crown, The dead damp leaves are turned to earthy brown And with the winter's gloom They're sunk in Earth's deep tomb : Thus all created things do pass away, And Man too has his day ; Childhood, youth, manhood, age — when these are gone, His cycle is complete, his year is done. 148 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE SAVIOUB AND THE SINNER. " Blotting out the handwriting. THE VOICE OF THE SAVIOUR : " Spend life away, Trifle and play, But know that there shall surely be a day, When God shall bring To judgment every work with every secret thing." THE VOICE OF THE SINNER : " Lord, I fall Confessing all The sins which I have done, both great and small . My debts forgive, And in the greatness of Thy mercy let me live.'* THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 149 THE VOICE OF THE SAVIOUK : " Thy debts are paid, Thy peace is made, Only no longer dwell amongst the dead ; Begin anew And let thy life henceforth be holy, just, and true.' THE VOICE OF THE SINNER : " Lord, I will raise The voice of praise To Thee for all the remnant of my days ; Thou hast made whole, Meet that I should to Thee devote my thankful soul.' 150 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. A SACRIFICE FOR SIN. " Christ died for our sins." How full of comfort is this word, That Jesus died, our God and Lord ! Died for our sins ! amazing thought ! For us poor creatures, sons of nought ! Now, though like Jesus die we must, We shall not perish in the dust ; Like Jesus, we shall rise again ; Like Jesus, live ; like Jesus, reign. Then let us, while on earth we stay, Quit us like children of the day, Live to our God, by all be known As heirs of Heaven, as Jesus' own. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 151 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. " The beasts of the field cry also unto thee." When God ordained that men Should over all the brute creation reign, He did not will that they Should hold a merciless and cruel sway, But the poor beasts should spare, And treat them with a kind and generous care, And with a gentle hand Accustom them to work at their command — Either to draw the plough, Or carry burthens with sure foot and slow ; Or gallop o'er the plain, Or listen to the driver's guiding rein ; Some to give wholesome food, Others to yield men clothing, warm and good ; 152 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. To fill the world around With beauty, life, and motion, and sweet sounds And by their wondrous frame To tell abroad their great Creator's name : Such was the Heavenly plan, Man for the beast was made, and beast for man. Fie on our fallen race, Which hath perverted quite God's law of grace ! To Heaven the cattle cry ; Will not the Lord avenge them from on high ? Look how the horses strain ! The brutal driver flogs them might and main ! Look at those beasts uncouth, Footsore and weary, foaming at the mouth ! See how those way-worn sheep Limp as they go ! It almost makes one weep. Rarer and yet more rare The notes and plumage of the song-birds are ; For with such wanton fun They're slain by scores with net and trap and gun ! Therefore sad plagues are rife, The fly and worm eat up the corn of life ; Beasts perish in the field, The Earth withholds the fatness of her yield ; THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 153 Lean Want and Sickness pale, And ghastly Death come on, scourges of Hell, And Discord waves her brand, Ready to kindle flames thro' all the land : Not undeserved the rod, Wilful we sin 'gainst beast, and man, and God. 154 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE GOOD SHEPHERD. " Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out : I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their food be." When Jesus came and dwelt on earth of old, He was the Shepherd, Israel was the fold, No ravening wolves approached the flock he kept, They lay in safety, and in safety slept, He led them forth where the green pastures grow, Led them to brooks where living waters flow, And, when the Smiter came, the sheep to save His own most precious life the Shepherd gave. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 155 Soon from the dead by God's Almighty power, The smitten Shepherd rose to die no more ; The scattered sheep he gathered once again, And took away their sorrow and their pain ; Gave, ere he left them, pastors of his choice, And bade them follow and obey their voice, Till he should fetch them to the Heavenly shore, In whose bright pastures they should want no more. All ye who seek the Saviour's love to share, Show to the Saviour's flock a shepherd's care, Feed ye the hungry, give the thirsty drink, Rescue the falling from the dangerous brink, Bind up the broken, seek the lost and stray, Be watchful lest the sheep become a prey, For, when of old one sought his love to show, The Saviour bade him. feed His flock below. 156 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE FISHERS. " Fioni henceforth thou shalt catch men." Upon old Galilee's shore, Their toil of fishing o'er, Two brothers, leaving all, Followed the Master's call, No longer now to take, Fish from their native lake, But on a stormier sea, Fishers of men to be. Ye faithful ones, who sweep The World's tempestuous deep, Plying your holy craft, Mankind your precious draught, While lasts the timely Night, Ere breaks the Morning light, THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 157 Watch for the favouring tide To scour the waters wide. See, every creek and bay- Teems with the living prey, The wandering myriads wait The fisher's gathering net : Launch out into the deep, Throughly the waters sweep, Heed not the ocean's roar, But haul the net ashore. 158 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER. " The Holy Ghost fell on them." A preacher to the people spake, How Jesus died for sinners' sake, How Jesus rose, And pardoned those Who leagued them with his mortal foes : They heard, they heard, They were not stirred By the great word. Till, coming from the Heavens above, The Holy Ghost, God's gift of love, Opened their ears, Aroused their fears, Showed them God's love, and drew their tears Then, when they heard, Much were they stirred By the great word. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 159 SPIRITUAL UTTERANCES. " Combining spiritual things with spiritual." The weapons of the warfare of the Lord Are not the gun, the javelin, the sword, No, nor the words which men of deepest thought Have in the schools with much brain-labour wrought, But the fresh speakings, set by fools at nought, God by his Spirit hath to good men taught, Quick as the lightning, strong as any fire, Searching heart secrets, inflaming desire, Refreshing as the dew upon the grass, Reflecting Heavenly things clearly as glass, * Such, I am confident, is the only proper rendering of Tru€viJ.aTLKo7s TTvev/jLaTiKa. (TvyKptvovTes, in I. Cor. ii. 13. Under- stand Xoyois. It was a question not of comparison but of combi- nation. ' What were the best words in which to preach the things of God ' ? The Apostle answers, " Not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth.'' The things were TrvevfxaTiKa., the words should be Trvev/xaTiKot also. It is to be hoped that the Revisionists will set this passage right. 160 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Simple yet striking, gracious, winning, wise ; Such words belike they speak in Paradise, 'Tis not enough the way of truth to know, If we would preach it, God must tell us how, Lest peradventure, while we would combine Words of man's wisdom with the things divine, Truth, ill discharged, be reft of half its force, And, like an arrow, fall short in its course. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 161 SIGNS OF THE TIMES. " Behold the fig tree." The Lord once said, that, when we see The blossoming' fig and budding tree, We know at once the time of year, We know that Summer then is near ; So in the world, when we descry, By vision of our mental eye, The various changes of this life, Plague, famine; earthquake, battle, strife, Though human agents speak the word, And fleshly warriors wield the sword, And all that happens seems to be The chances of mortality, M 162 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Yet, if we view the scene aright, And have not dimmed our inner sight, These are but buds and leaves which show That God is reigning here below ; Fresh burstings of His mighty power Are visible in that strange hour, And they who seek Him shall not fail His glorious presence then to hail. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 163 HOPE AMID BILLOWS. " The waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horribly, But yet the Lord, who dwelleth on high, is mightier." Come, let us to the mountain flee, Far from the wild tumultuous sea Of nations rushing to and fro, The saints of God to overthrow. Standing upon th' eternal Hock, We will not fear the tempest's shock, But calmly wait until the tide Of furious passions shall subside. The Word of God has mightier force Than Ocean rolling in his course, Than thunder echoing through the sky, Than the fierce whirlwind sweeping by. 164 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. When God commands the storm to cease, Straightway the Ocean is at peace, And favouring breezes waft us o'er Calm waters to the Heavenly shore. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 165 THE CARCASE - VULTURES. Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together." As, when upon seas Where sweeps the wild breeze, A tempest-tost vessel scarce holds on her way, And the mariners cry To the great God on high, For 'tis vain now to look to the sheltering bay, The wreck-scene soon brings On the hurricane's wings The ravening sea-birds that wait for the prey, And boldly they wheel, And close to the keel, "Which scarce can be seen through the foam and the spray, 166 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Or as when armed men On field, hill, and glen, Are massing by thousands to join in the fray ; Niffht covers them all o With her solemn black pall, And in silence they wait for the dawn of the day ; Lo ! ere the morn break, There float in their wake The vultures who love to the battle to flock ; They scent from afar The banquet of war, And wait for the carcase to fall by the shock : 'Twill be so in the hour, When with wrath and great power The Devil comes down to trouble the earth, When the death-blasts of Hell Shall rage and shall swell, And many shall curse the day of their birth. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 167 For Terror shall reign, And Sorrow, and Pain, And the Sword shall devour, and the Plague, and the Dearth, And kingdoms shall shake, And nations shall quake, For fear of the judgments that come on the earth. Ah ! many a deck Shall then be a wreck, Which now moves so fair o'er the waters of life, And many shall cry To the great God on high, Who now little reck of the storm and the strife. And then shall arise, Full of blasphemous lies, False Christ s and false prophets, intent upon prey; They shall run to and fro, They shall sing the loud woe, And by great signs and wonders shall draw men away. 168 THE SPIRIT AXD THE MUSE. For these birds of the air For themselves only care, As they follow the havoc of Hell and of Death ; When the Heavens are clear, Then they no where appear, For they love not the calm of the Heavenly breath. Then take ye good heed, Who are Christ's indeed, When the hearts of the nations shall fail them for fear : For the prophets that lie Shall then mightily cry, And many shall say that the time draweth near : But the Sun in the sky Shall first sicken and die, And the Moon shall withdraw her silvery light, And the stars fall apace, And vanish in space, And the Heavens be extinguished in blackness of Night. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 169 And then shall appear Bright-shining and clear The sign of Messiah uplifted on high ; He shall come in that hour On the clouds with great power, And all men shall know that Judgment is nigh. The trumpet shall sound Above and around, And the mighty Archangel shall utter his voice, And the dead shall come forth, And the holy of earth Shall be caught up in clouds, and for ever rejoice. 170 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE LAST JUDGMENT. " He shall sit on the throne of his glory." Methought it was the great dread day, When Heaven and Earth did pass away, And all things crumbled to decay. Me thought that men unguarded were, And few imagined cause for fear, Or dreamt that judgment-hour was near. Methought th' Archangel's trump spake out In one long loud deep dreadful note, Which earth to'its very centre smote. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 171 Methought the Son of Man appeared, His sign a banner high npreared, And all men saw him now, and feared. Methought he was attended by Ten thousand thousands of the sky, All robed in glorious majesty. Methought I heard Creation sigh, And millions, as in agony, For mercy, mercy, mercy, cry, I saw men cast away their gold, Which once so precious they did hold, That for it life itself they sold ; I heard them wish the hills would fall, I heard them to the mountains call, To be to them a covering pall ; And they, who once were wont to mock, When good men spake of judgment-shock, Were scattered like a frightened flock : 172 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. And some, who used to say the snare Should never catch them unaware, Were now transfixed with blank despair ; And not a few, whom men did deem To stand right high in God's esteem, Awoke in terror from their dream. Methought I heard a voice, and lo ! Earth opened wide — I saw below The dead of ages, high and low. Methought the mighty Ocean's bed Was summoned to give up its dead, And straightway all its waters fled. I saw them come forth from the womb Of earth and sea, their long long tomb, A countless host, to hear their doom, I looked, and lo ! a great white throne ! The King of Glory sat thereon, And now both Earth and Heaven had gone. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 173 I looked again, and lo ! the Man Who framed redemption's blessed plan, Who loosed of sin and death the ban : 'Twas he who came down from on hig-h, Great Lord of earth, and sea, and sky, To live, to suffer, and to die ; 'Twas he, whose flesh the scourge had torn, Whose brow was pierced with plaited thorn, Whose back the heavy Cross had borne ; 'Twas he, who knew the shame and pain Of sin and death — but not the stain — That men with God might live and reign ; 'Twas he, the Man of sorrows, worn With grief, with pain, with insult, scorn, An outcast once, despised, forlorn ; Long by his interceding power He had deferred the judgment-hour, Lest God his vengeance should outpour ; 174 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 'Twas he : but oh ! how changed now ! How fair his form ! how bright his brow ! His eyes like living fire did glow ! Not one but now the Lord did know, Not one but at his throne did bow, Not one but prayed him save them now ; Yes, all were eager now to claim His lineage, love, resemblance, name, However great their former fame : 'Twas all too late ! — the time had past, When God would grant what sinners asked The tarrying Judge had come at last. They stood before him ; all did keep Silence suspensive, awful, deep ; The Angels listened ; men did weep. I saw the books, wherein were read The works of all, both quick and dead, What each had done, or thought, or said ; THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 175 The book, too, where th' elect were named, Whose hearts the love of God inflamed, Despised on earth, destroyed, defamed : The shameful verdict was reversed, Which blessed the vile, the holy cursed — God's righteous law the Judge rehearsed. As shepherds, who on moorland steep Two mighty flocks apart do keep, Know which be goats and which be sheep, So he by instant vision knew The natures of that motley crew, The good, the bad, the false, the true. He ranged them in a double band, And these he placed on his right hand, Those on his left were made to stand. 'Twas done : he turned him to his right, And straight upon them shone a light, As of the sun, pure, heavenly, bright ; 176 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. And such a voice fell on my ear, As ne'er 'twas mortal's lot to hear, So kind, so soft, so sweet, so clear : " Come ye," — he said, — "my Father's blest,. " Enter with joy the heavenly rest, " Prepared for you, by you possest : " When I was hungry, food ye brought me, " When I was thirsty, drink ye sought me, '' When I was naked, clothing wrought me ;. " When I was sick, then ye stood by me, " When I was prisoned, ye came nigh me, " A stranger, ye did not pass by me." Amazed they heard the gracious word, At last assured, with one accord They ventured thus to' address their Lord : " Lord, when saw we thee hungered ? " Or thirsty ? or when sick," — they said, — " A stranger ? naked ? prisoned ? " And to thy wants have ministred? " THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 177 To whom the King : " Nay, wonder not, " Ye did on earth ye know not what, " 'Twas not by me unmarked, forgot ; " When some poor man your care aroused, " Or when ye saw the stranger housed, " Or injured innocence espoused, " Or when ye gave the widow rest, " Or clasped the orphan to your breast, " Or called the Christian outcast Guest, " Or cheered the sick man's silent room, " Or lit the holy prisoner's gloom, " Or rescued sinners from the tomb, " 'Twas i" who then your care aroused, " I was the stranger whom ye housed, " Mine was the cause which ye espoused, " 'Twas I to whom ye gave the rest, " In orphan children I was blest, " I was the outcast, I the guest, N 178 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. " For me ye wiped the dying brow, " For me ye whispered kind and low, " For me your knee in prayer did bow; " These were my brethren, these did ye " Hold precious ; what in charity " Ye did to them, ye did to ME." He turned, and, with a dreadful frown, And voice to righteous anger grown, Those on his left did thus disown : " Depart, ye cursed, to the fire " Prepared against the day of ire " For Satan and his damned quire : " I hungered, but no food ye brought me, " I thirsted, but no drink ye sought me, " Was naked, ye no clothing wrought me, " When I was sick, ye stood not by me, " A prisoner, ye did not come nigh me, " I was a stranger, ye passed by me." THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 179 O'erwhelmed with terror and dismay, They heard the dread anathema ; Then with vain effort to gainsay : " Lord, when saw we thee hungered ? " Or thirsty ! or when sick ? — they said, — " A stranger? naked ? prisone'd ? " And have not to Thee ministred ? " Few words to these the Lord did deign, The Lord who now had come to reign And banish from him wicked men : " What ye to but the humblest one " Of these my brethren have not done, "That, know, to ME ye have not done." He spake, and, while he spake, all eyes Stood steadfast fixed, filled with surprise That God his servants thus should prize ! And now the Lord had told the doom Of the vast people of the tomb, These went to joy, and those to gloom. 180 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSK THE PRINCE OF WALES IN A COURT OF JUSTICE. " The throDe is established by righteousness." He spake his Royal word — Gladly the people heard Their Prince was one Who had not faithless been To God, to wife, and Queen, And England's throne. Though born of noblest race, Destined for highest place, With riches blest, Yet hath he greater fame From an untarnished name, And with it rest. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 181 Crowns, sceptres, robes of state, The palace fair and great — These are not power : His is the Sov'reignty, Whose is the victory In judgment's hour. God grant that, when he reign, He still be without stain, Husband and wife Guarding their wedded love, Till they shall reign above In the new life. 182 THE SPIRIT AKD THE MUSE. RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS OF THE PRINCE OP WALES. " Prayer was made without ceasing unto God for him." " God save the Prince of Wales," — 'Twas heard mid tears and wails Through all the land ; God's chastening hand Had prostrate laid The Royal head. All feared the fatal hour, Medicine had lost its power ; One hope alone From the High Throne, If God would spare The kingdom's Heir. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 183 They prayed — a Nation prayed ; Soon was the fever stayed — His will, who gave Life, and can save, Whose sovereign sway All things obey. Therefore, ye people, bring Praises to God your King ; Both high and low, Before him bow ; He sits above Euling in love. 184 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. NATIONAL THANKSGIVING FOR THE PRINCE OF WALES' RECOVERY. u I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation." To the great Cathedral dome See the Royal cortege come, Decked in gorgeous robes of state Queen and Prince and Potentate ; Loud hosannas rend the afr, Loud thanksgivings everywhere : See them now, with lowly gait, Pass within the Temple-gate ; As before the Throne they kneel, Sounds the organ's solemn peal, Now ten thousand voices praise God for health and length of days. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 185 What oblations shall he bring To the High and Heavenly King ? How most fitting thanks express For great mercy in distress ? Ask the newly-fashioned clay If it can the potter pay ; Gives the worm that crawls on earth Aught to Him who gave it birth ? Princes on their golden throne Cannot for their souls atone ; Christ alone the ransom paid, Christ the deadly fever stayed. Contrite hearts, devout desires, Holy lives, our God requires ; Praise Him for His glorious might ; Praise Him for His love and light ; Praise Him for salvation given ; Praise Him for new life from Heaven ; Praise Him, for His chastening hand Soon he took from off our land ; Praise Him, for He heard our prayer, Healed the sick, dispelled our fear, Praise Him, praise Him, praises bring To our great and glorious King. 186 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCESS LOUISE AND THE MARQUIS OF LORNK " His banner over mo was love." What is beauty, what is birth, What is all the wealth of earth, What the brightest costliest gem In the monarch's diadem, If the heart be sold for gain, Marriage be but custom's chain, Love be sacrificed to fame, Freedom but an empty name ? Love cannot be bought or sold, Love its fair love must enfold, Love goes forth to seek its own In the cot and on the throne. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 187 Princess of our dear old land, Worth like thine might well command Kings and Princes to aspire To thy hand with love's desire. Thou to England's sons hast shown, That man's seated on a throne, Who hath virtue for a crown, Whether fortune smile or frown. England's glory ! Scotland's pride ! Let the marriage knot be tied, Plighted troth, and Book, and ring, As for subject, so for king. Thou, great God, who hast ordained Marriage should be unconstrained, Pour upon the noble pair Gifts yet nobler and more rare. Shine out, Sun, with glorious ray On the happy wedding day ; Storms, your murmurs hoarse contain,. Not a cloud the welkin stain. 188 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Breezes of the new-born Spring, Sweetest odours with you bring ; Let the Earth her loveliest flowers Yield from most delightsome bowers. Lords and ladies, fine and fair, Greet the newly-wedded pair ; Merriment and jocund fun Round the festive circle run. People all, in bright array, Keep the joyous holiday : Let the peasant with the peer Join in good old English cheer. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 189 THE UNIVERSITY BOAT-RACE OF 1872. " One receiveth the prize." Pull hard, my boys, pull hard, 'Tis not for vile reward, For muck of earth, For gold or silver's worth ; 'Tis to obtain A higher nobler gain, That deathless Fame, Which none but spirits bold and brave can claim. Pull harder yet, boys, pull, And force the slender hull To cut her way Right through the watery spray ; Bravo ! Well done ! " The Cam, the Cam has won," With mighty roar Thunder ten thousand tongues from shore to shore. 190 THE SPIRIT AND THE MITSE. THE DEMON OF WAR. " Destruction upon destruction." The Fury waves her brand of war, And calls her legions from afar ; " To arms," the maddened nations cry, " On, on, — we conquer or we die." Peace droops her head, and Commerce sighs, And Culture languishes and dies. I heard upon the rising gale A mother's shriek, a widow's wail ; I saw a soldier carried past, The blood of life was ebbing fast ; I saw a field, wherein were laid Heaps upon heaps, unburied dead ! Famine and Pestilence were there, The vulture hovered in the air, Mankind had fled, the land was bare ; Yet still the Fury waved her brand, And still fresh legions, sword in hand, Killed and were killed — her dire command. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 191 FRANCE AND PRUSSIA. Written in 1870. Head of France, thou didst not well First to sound the battle-knell : All the blood that shall be spilt Will but add unto thy guilt. Prussian monarch, hadst thou said But one word, the countless dead Would not have been strown in vain On each bloody battle -plain. Emperor and Monarch, hear — There is One yet mightier ; He will judge you at his bar For this wanton wicked war. 192 THE SPIRIT AND THE MCJSE. THE INSTABILITY OF EARTHLY GREATNESS. " I went by, and lo ! he was gone ; I sought him, but his place could no where be found." A little breath of wind, you know, Into a tempest soon may grow, And overthrow the sturdiest tree In all its forest majesty ; So too the Princes of to-day To-morrow may be nought but clay : While yet upon their schemes they're bent, There comes some little incident, And changes all the government ; Their robe, their sceptre, and their crown Soon to the dust are tumbled down ; Already on the vacant throne There sits in state another one, Who hears the huzzas long and loud Of the ungrateful fickle crowd ! THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 193 Yet do we see men every hour Striving to build them some great tower, Fancying to reign in mighty power ; Though scarcely is the wish obtained, The tower finished, power gained, Than comes the little shock, and oh ! A great, a startling overthrow ! The finished tower, 'tis no more, Perished the man who had the power, His reign has lasted scarce an hour ! Such scenes of ruin and of woe, Think you, no useful end can show ? Read them aright, they bid us know Th' uncertainty of all below, That, kindled with intense desire, We may to greater heights aspire, And in the Heavens seek an abode Prepared and built for us by God. 194 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE REDS OF PARIS. " Woe unto them." Ye devilish crew, If Hell itself such Demons hold as you, Not brave to fight against your country's foe, Brave only to inflict upon your country woe, To pillage and to massacre her sons, And point against an unarmed multitude your guns r Haters of all that's noble and that's good, Confederate with traitors, men defiled with blood, Mouthing your curses against God most high, As if ye had the strength th' Almighty to defy ; Ye would not bow to his correcting hand, Know, then, He hath ten thousand scourges at command, His thunder, and His lightning, and His rain, The shock of earthquake, and the racking hurricane, The choking heat, the scorching fiery glow, And cold of Winter with its ice and frost and snow, THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 195 Blasting, and mildew, and the worm, and fly, And clonds of countless locusts, darkening the sky, Famine, and Pestilence, and wild Despair, And Idiotcy and Madness, Hell-delivered pair, And that last plague, in torment to expire, Fearing worse torment of Gehenna's quenchless fire. 196 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. REFORMATION. " The darkness is passing and the true light now shineth." Hail ! second Reformation, come at last, To terminate the quarrels of the past, To reconcile conflicting sects and schools, And make them cast aside their senseless rules — Those traps and stumbling-blocks by which so well They've served the purpose of the Prince of Hell — Decrees of Councils, Canons, Statutes, Laws, Hair-splitting definitions without cause, Tests, Articles, and Bulls, and such like stuff, As if the Gospel-truths were not enough : Christ dead and risen, Righteousness and Love, Affections set on Christ and things above, These things sufficed th' Apostles for a Creed, These things sustained them in their hours of need, THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 197 For these the holy Martyrs lived and died, With these all good men have been satisfied ; Strong in the faith, they fought the battle well, And overthrew the mighty hosts of Hell, And yet no steepled Churches were there then, No vast endowments had those holy men, They leaned not on the prop of any State, Nor looked to Parliaments to make them great ; Poor and despised, but filled withGrod's own leaven, With mighty power they led the way to Heaven, Won souls to Christ, to heathen lands were sent ; This was their gain, this their emolument. 198 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. ON THE DEATH OF SIR CHARLES CLARKE. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season." Say, Colet, say, for whom has rung The minstrel's harp that silent hung ? For whom essays he to prolong His sweet but melancholy song ? What name to rescue from the gloom That settles round the silent tomb ? thou whose well-known healing power Blessed thousands in affliction's hour, Condemned alas ! thyself to' endure The ills, for others thou could'st cure ; 1 bring this tribute to thy grave, 'Tis little, but 'tis all I have ; THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 199 For oft thy judgment would excuse The trifling of my fitful Muse : No more thy genial smile shall cheer Our social feasts from year to year — A constant guest, until at last Thy manly frame was sinking fast ; Absent in body, not in will, Thy Spirit hovered round us still. Well did we know thy fost'ring care, Well, too, thy love of talent rare, With thee took part in classic lore, With thee in play when school was o'er : The noble Roman, who of old With Lselius did sweet converse hold, Yet sought some respite from his toil Amid the Ocean's outcast spoil, Collecting pebbles on the sand, Where stretches Baiee's pleasant strand : So thou, too, on life's sunny shore Didst sportive play, till day was o'er, Till the dark billow, flowing fast, O'ertook thee with its tide at last : Alas ! dear friend, to sooth our pain Where shall we find thy like again ? 200 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. If medicine failed to -do its part, Yet never failed thy merry heart, Never thy look, thy word, of love, Never thy prayer to Grod above : If naught availed, the pillow thou Wouldst turn to cool the fevered brow. All, all must die ; then blest are they Who calmly meet the dreaded day : The bad a stubborn front oppose To ruthless Fate's redoubled blows ; Not so the good ; life's thread is spent, The struggle's short, they die content : Thou, like the full ripe corn which stands Ready to fill the reaper's hands, Didst to the sickle bow thy head, And meekly join the holy dead. This translation, from some Latin verses of the Rev. Dr. Kynaston, was made at the request of the late Mrs. Chilver, daughter of Sir Charles Clarke, a most kind and benevolent lady, who met her death a few years ago by a frightful accident on the South Eastern Railway, while her husband, an eminent medical man and philanthropist, who was sitting by her side, provi- dentially escaped uninjured. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 201 THE DAYS OF OUR AGE. " The days of our ago are threescore years and ten, and, though men be so strong that they come to fourscore years, yet i3 their strength then but labour and sorrow." Whoso has lived to threescore years and ten Has filled the term allowed to mortal men ; Whoso shall add yet half another score Has, as his gain, sorrow and suffering sore ; Beyond these years a man may draw his breath, But hardly lives — he hangs 'twixt life and death. Lord, teach us, whatsoe'er our length of days, Always to walk in thy most holy ways That, when we shall have reached our journey's end, Thou, as in life, in death be still our friend ; For, living here, we die ; there we shall live That deathless life which Christ alone can give. 202 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. ON A POOR MAN'S GRAVE. " The Lord knoweth them that are Hia." Hard was his path in life, Heavy the load he drew, How heavy, and how hard, God only knew ! If, then, he seemed to thee A laggard in life's race, Haply to God who knew He moved apace. Easy thy path and smooth, Thy burden too is light, Fear lest thy speed be not Speed in God's sight. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 203 He laboured to the end, Thy life is not yet past, See thou be found, as he Was at the last. 204 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE POWER OF GOD. " With God all things are possible." From the dead carcase of a forest beast God's saint of old obtained a living feast, And from a withered fig-tree Jesus gave A lesson of the faith that's strong to save ; Thus God can give both food and faith, you see, From beasts that perish and a withered tree ! Now He, who thus could dying men revive, Can also make men, when they're dead, alive. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 205 THE STEAM-ENGINE. " The power of his might." Seest thou yon engine ? Had it not a vent, Whereby the steam pent up within were spent, 'Twould burst its iron prison with loud roar, And deal around Death and destruction sore ; And so, when Grod doth with his holy fire The inmost caverns of the heart inspire, It too, in spite of every obstacle, Makes itself felt, although invisible, Yet not to strew the ground with piles of dead Is the great Spirit sent down by our Head, But to endow men with a higher life, Still to be theirs after this mortal strife. 206 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. THE NEWS OF THE DAY. " Good news from a far country." " What news is there to-day ? " said one to me : " Important news, good Sir," quoth I, " for thee "Good news from Heaven ! u God's own Son given ! " For us he died ! for us was raised ! " Through him we live ! the Lord be praised ! " This is the news, which they who know " No better have, or ivish, I trow." THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 2(K ON THE DEATH OF BISHOP PHILPOTTS. Before the Lord called Philpotts to his rest, He to vacate his see by man was prest : The aged Bishop yielded, and desired A better see : 'twas granted — he expired. TRANSLATION OF A LATIN EPIGRAM. Trust God, pray oft, beware of sin, and be Humble, and seek for peace, and high things flee, Hear much, speak little, secrets keep, and spare The weak, obey the strong, with equals bear, Be earnest, faithful, to the needy nigh, Thy gettings keep, bear all things, learn to die. PART II. TRANSLATIONS FROM THE ODES OF HORACE. 210 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIBER I. CARMEN L Maecenas atavis edite regibus, et prassidium et dulce decus memn, Sunt quos curriculo pulverem Olympic urn Collegisse juvat, metaque fervidis Evitata rotis palmaque nobilis. Terrarum dominos evehit ad deos Hunc, si mobilium turba Quiritium Certat tergeminis tollere honoribus ; Ilium, si proprio condidit horreo Quicquid de Libycis verritur areis. Gaudentem patrios findere sarculo Agros Attalicis condicionibus Numquam dimoveas, ut trabe Cypria Myrtoum pavidus nau^a secet mare. Luctantem Icariis fluctibus Africum Mercator metuens otium et oppidi THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 211 BOOK I. ODE • I. Maecenas, sprung from line of ancient kings, O both the strength and glory of my life, There are whose joy is on th' Olympic course To have swept along the dust, and shunned the goal With glowing wheels, and won the noble palm. Uplifted to the Gods, lords of the world, This one, if the Quirites' fickle throng Contend to' exalt to Honour's threefold height ; That one, if in his granary he has stored All that is swept from Lybian threshing floors ; Whoso rejoices with his spade to cleave His fathers' fields, by Attalus' wealth Thou ne'er couldst move him, on a Cyprian beam, Sailing with fear, to cut Myrtoan sea ; The South wind wrestling with the-Icarian waves, The merchant fearing praises the repose 212 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Laudat rura sui : mox reficit rates Quassas, indocilis pauperiem pati. Est qui nee veteris pocula Massici Nee partem solido demere de die Spernit, nunc viridi membra sub arbutO' Stratus, nunc ad aquas lene caput sa-crae. Multos castra juvant et lituo tuba3 Permixtus sonitus bellaque matribus Detestata. Manet sub Jove frigido Venator teneras conjugis immemor, Seu visa est catulis cerva fidelibus, Seu rupit teretes Marsus aper plagas. Me doctarum hederas praBmia frontium Dis miscent superis, me gelidum nemus Nympharumque leves cum Satyris cliori Secernunt populo, si neque tibias Euterpe cohibet nee Polyhymnia Lesboum refugit tendere barbiton. Quodsi me lyricis vatibus inseres, Sublimi feriam sidera vertice. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 213 And scenery of his town ; soon his wrecked raft Refits, untutored poverty to bear ; There is who neither spurns old wine in cups, Nor from the busy day to steal an hour, His limbs now spread beneath green arbute-tree, By gentle springhead now of sacred stream. Many the camp delights, and trumpet's sound With clarion commingled, and the wars By mothers hated. Bides 'neath frosty sky The huntsman, mindless of his tender wife, Whether a doe his faithful hounds have viewed, Or Marsian boar has burst the well- wrought nets : Me ivy-wreath, the prize of learned brows, Blends with the Gods above, me the cool grove And airy Nymphs with Satyrs in the dance Do sever from the people, if her pipes Euterpe stay not, nor Pol'hymnia Refuse to string the Lesbian maiden's lyre ; But if thou'lt graft me mid the lyric bards, With upraised head I'll strike the stars of Heaven. 214 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIBER I. CARMEN XL Tu ne quaesieris (scire nefas) quern mihi, quern tibi' Finem di dederint, Leuconoe, nee Babylonios Temptaris numeros. Ut melius, quicquid erit, pati, Seu plures hiemes seu tribuit Juppiter ultimam, Qua3 nunc oppositis debilitat pumicibus mare Tyrrhenum. Sapias, vina liques et spatio brevi Spem longam reseces. Dum loquimur, fugerit invida ^Etas : carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 215 BOOK I. ODE XI. Thou should'st not seek — 'tis sin to know— -what end to thee, what end to me, The Gods have given, Lenconoe ; nor calculations of Chaldee Should'st thou essay; far better bear, whate'er shall be, submissively, Be it that Heaven more Winters gives, or this, the last that is to be, Which even now with barrier cliffs doth break the sea of Tuscany ; Would' st thou be wise, filtrate the wines, and, as Life's span so brief must be, Out short long hope :• e'en while we speak, Time will have fled invidiously ; Enjoy to-day, and trust as little as may be Futurity. 216 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIBER I. CARMEN XIV. O navis, referent in mare te novi Fluctus. quid agis ? Fortiter occupa Portum. Nonne vides ut Nudum remigio latus, Et malus celeri saucius Africo Antemnaeque gemant, ac sine funibus Vix durare carinae Possint imperiosius iEquor. Non tibi sunt integra lintea, Non di quos iterum pressa voces malo. Quamvis Pontica pinus, Silvse filia nobilis, THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 217 BOOK I. ODE XIV. O Ship, fresh-rising billows will bear thee back again To the deep sea ! What dost thou ? hold with might and main The harbour. Seest thou not how bare Thy sides of oars to speed thee are, Thy mast, too, sorely wounded with the swift hurricane And sailyards groan ; and, were't not for cables to sustain, Thy keel could scarcely now abide The more and more imperious tide ? There is not now to aid thee a yet untattered sail, Nor Grods to' invoke when stricken again by adverse gale : For all that thou, a Pontic pine, The forest's child, of noble line, 218 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Jactes et genus et nomen inutile, Nil pictis timidus navita puppibus Fidit. Tu nisi ventis Debes ludibrium, cave. Nuper sollicitum quse mihi tsedium, Nunc desiderium curaque non levis, Interfusa nitentes Vites sequora Cycladas. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 219 Vauntest a useless title and genealogy, The fearful sailor trusts not in painted finery ; if thou art not bound to bear The mocking tenrnests, be thou ware. Thou who of late didst cause me distressful weariness, Now cause of anxious longing, and care not burdenless,, Avoid the intermingling seas Mid those bright isles the Cyclades. 220 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIBER I. CARMEN XV. Pastor cum traheret per freta navibus Idgeis Helenen perfidus hospitam, Ingrato celeris obruit otio Ventos ut caneret fera Nereus fata : ' Mala ducis avi domum Quam mnlto repetet Graecia milite, Conjurata tuas rumpere nuptias Et regnum Priami vetus. Heu heu, quantus equis, quantus adest viris Sudor ! quanta moves funera Dardanse Genti. Jam galeam Pallas et aegida Currusque et rabiem parat. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 221 BOOK I. ODE XV. When that perfidious shepherd was dragging 'cross the sea On board the ships of Ida the stranger Helene, The Sea-god sank the swift winds in welcomeless repose, To sing the chant of destined woes : " Thou art escorting homeward with evil augury " Whom Gr[ecia will demand back with countless soldiery, " A sworn confederation to break thy nuptial vow, And Priam's old realm to lay low. " Alas ! what sweat for horses ! what sweat for men's at hand ! " What carnage thou art stirring for all of Dardan land ! E'en now doth G-oddess Pallas her helmet, and her car, " Her segis, and her rage prepare ! (< 222 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Nequiquam Veneris prassidio ferox Pectes csesariem grataque feminis Imbelli cithara carmina divides, Nequiquam thalamo gravis Hastas et calami spicula Gnosii Vitabis strepitumque et celerem sequi Aiacem : tamen heu serus adulteros Crines pulvere collines. Non Laertiaden, exitium tuse Genti, non Pylium Nestora respicis ? Urgent inpavidi te Salaminius Teucer, te Sthenelus sciens Pugnge, sive opus est imperitare equis, Non auriga piger. Merionen quoqne Nosces. Ecce furit te reperire atrox Tydides melior patre ; Quern tu, cervus uti vallis in altera Visum parte lupum graminis inmemor, Sublimi fugies mollis anhelitu, Non hoc pollicitus tuae. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 223 ** In vain shalt thou, confiding in Love's protectorate, " Comb out thy locks, and, pleasing a band effeminate, " Blend with un war like harpings the song in harmony ; " In vain to thy bedchamber flee, " To shun the deadly lances, the barbs of Cretan reed, " The battle-roar, and Ajax swift in pursuit to lead; " However, though alas ! late, thou thine adult'rous hair " Shalt thick with clotted dust besmear. " Dost thou not Laerti'des, the scourge of all thy clan, " Dost thou not aged Nestor regard the Pylian man ? " A dauntless twain hot press thee — Teucer of Salamis, " And Sthenelus of skilled practise " In battle, or, if need be to make the horses wheel, 11 No laggard charioteer he ! Merion too thou'lt feel ! " Lo ! pitiless Tydides, a better than his sire, " To find thee burns with fierce desire ; " Whom thou — -just as a stag flees a he-wolf it has seen " Afar across the valley, unmindful of the green — " Thy head upraised and panting, shalt flee in coward flight- " This was not to thy love thy plight ! 224 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Iracunda diem proferet Ilio Matronisque Phrygum classis Achillei ; Post certas hiemes uret Acliaicus Ignis Iliacas domos.' THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 225 " The anger of Achilles and all his fleet shall stay " For Ilium and the matrons of Phrygia that day ; " Soon as the fixed number of winters shall expire, " The Greeks shall burn Troy's homes with fire.' 226 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIBEE I. CARMEN XXIV. Quis desiderio sit pudor aut modus Tarn cari capitis ? Praecipe lugubris Cantus, Melpomene, cui liquidam pater Yocem cum cithara dedit. Ergo Quintilium perpetuus sopor Urget ? cui Pudor et Justitiaa soror, Incorrupta Fides, nudaque Veritas Quando ullum inveniet parem ? Multis ille bonis flebilis occidit, Nulli flebilior quam tibi, Vergili. Tu, frustra pius, heu non ita creditum Poscis Quintilium deos. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 227 BOOK I. ODE XXIY. What bound to sorrow, or restraint should be For one so dear ? Begin, Melpomene, The mournful chants, to whom th' Almighty Sire Hath given with a liquid voice the lyre. Doth, then, our friend th' eternal sleep oppress ? Faith uncorrupt, sister of Righteousness, And Modesty, and naked Truth — ah ! when Shall they one like Quintilius find again ? Full many good men weep that he is gone, Weep more than thou dost, Virgil, there is none ; In vain thy piety ! not so was given Quintilius, whom thou askest for from Heaven. 228 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Quid si Threicio blandius Orpheo Auditam moderere arboribus fidem, Num vanae redeat sanguis imagini, Quam virga semel horrida, Non lenis precibus fata recludere, Nigro compulerit Mercurius gregi ? Durum : sed levius fit patientia Quicquid corrigere est nefas. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 229 What if more sweetly than the Thracian bard Thou tun'dst the harp-strings and by trees wert heard ? Would then the blood run back to th' empty shade, Which Mercury, whom no man can persuade To burst the bar of Fate for soothing word, Hath driven with dread wand to his black herd ? 'Tis hard; but by endurance lighter grows That which to alter God's law disallows. 230 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIBER I. CARMEN XXXIV. Parous Deorum cultor et infrequens, Insanientis dum sapientias Consultus erro, nunc retrorsum Yela dare atque iterare cursus Cogor relictos. Namque Diespiter Igni corusco nubila dividens Plerumque, per purum tonantis Egit equos volucremque currum, Quo bruta tellus et vaga flumina, Quo Styx et invisi horrida Taenari Sedes Atlanteusque finis Concutitur. Valet 'ima summis THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 231 BOOK I. ODE XXXIV. A sparing and unfrequent devotee, As long as from a mad philosophy I took advice and wandered, now perforce Backward I sail, and trace again the course I had abandoned. For the Sire of Light, Who most times cleaves the clouds with fire-flash bright, Has driven thundering athwart the clear His horses and his car in swift career, Whereat the sluggish earth, the wandering flood, And Styx, and hateful Tgenarus' abode Of subterranean horror, and withal Th' Atlantic mountain, boundary of all, Are shaken. The Almighty Power can make Things that are highest lowest places take, 232 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Mutare et insignem attenuat Deus, Obscura promens ; hinc apicem rapax Fortuna cum stridore acuto Sustulit, hie posuisse gaudet. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 233 And the distinguished man he wears away, Bringing obscure things forth to light of day : Fortune from this man, snatching at her prey, Bears with shrill whirr the diadem away, Here having set it, glories in her sway. 234 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIBER II. CARMEN XVI. Otium divos rogat in patenti Prensus iEggeo, sinml atra nubes Condidit lunam neque certa fulgent Sidera nautis ; Otium bello furiosa Thrace, Otium Medi pharetra decori, Grosphe, non gemmis neque purpura ve- nale neque auro. Non enim gazaa neque consularis Summovet lictor miseros tumultus Mentis et curas laqueata circum Tecta volantis. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 235 BOOK II. ODE XVI. Peace — asks the man from Heaven in prayer Caught in the broad seas unaware, When a black cloud the moon doth veil, And no sure stars shine as they sail : Peace — Thrace to war by Furies borne ; Peace — Medes whom quiver doth adorn ; 'Tis not for gems, 'tis not for gold, 'Tis not for purple, Grosphus, sold. Not wealth, nor consul's axeman may Drive those tumultuous stirs away Which vex the soul, and cares whose flight Is round the fretted ceiling's height. 236 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Vivitur parvo bene, cui paternum Splendet in mensa tenui salinum Nee leves somnos timor aut cupido Sordidus aufert. Quid brevi fortes jaculamur aevo Multa ? quid terras alio calentes Sole mutamus ? patriae quis exul Se quoque fugit ? Scandit seratas vitiosa navis Cura nee turmas equitum relinquit, Ocior cervis et agente nimbos Ocior Euro. Laetus in praesens animus quod ultra est Oderit curare et amara lento Temperet risu : nihil est ab omni Parte beatum. Abstulit clarum cita mors Achillem, Longa Tithonum minuit senectus, Et mihi forsan, tibi quod negarit, Porriget hora. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 237 That man lives well off scanty hoard, For whom upon a humble board A salt-cellar gleams splendidly, The heirloom of his ancestry, Nor fear nor sordid avarice Takes gentle slumbers from his eyes. Wherefore do we, in our short day, Aim at so much with bold essay ? Why seek lands warmed with other ray ? Who, from his country banished, Hath also from his own self fled ? Corroding care climbs ships of brass, Nor lets the troops of horsemen pass, More swift than antelopes, more swift Than winds which chase the stormy drift. If joyful be our present state, The mind far distant cares should hate, And temper with a careless laugh The bitter cup it hath to quaff! Nothing exists which doth possess On every side true happiness. 238 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Te greges centum Siculseque circum Mugiunt vaccas, tibi tollit hinnitum Apta quadrigis equa, te bis Afro Murice tinctae Yestiunt lanae : mihi parva rura et Spiritum Graise tenuem Camenaa Parca non mendax dedit et malignum Spernere vulgus. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 239 Quick Death cut short Achilles' fame, Long age diminished Tithon's name, And peradventure time to me Will stretch what it denies to thee. A hundred flocks and lowing kine Of true Sicilian breed are thine ; The mare lifts high her neigh for thee Fit for the car of victory ; Twice steeped in Afric's purple dye The wools which are thy vesture : I A little country farm received From Destiny who ne'er deceived, And the soft breath of Grecian song, Aye, and to spurn the spiteful throng. 240 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIBER II. CARMEN XYIII. Non ebur neque aureum Mea renidet in domo lacunar, Non trabes Hymettiae Premunt columnas ultima recisas Africa, neque Attali Ignotus heres regiam occupavi, Nee Laconicas mihi Trahunt honestaa purpuras client 83. At fides et ingeni Benigna vena est, pauperemque dives Me petit : nihil supra Deos lacesso nee potentem amicum Largiora flagito, Satis beatus unicis Sabinis, Truditur dies die, Novaeque pergunt interire lunae : THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 241 BOOK II. ODE XVIII. No iv'iy, nor golden gleam In my house glitters from a panelled ceiling-beam ; No timbers from Hymettus brought Press columns in the quarries of far Afric wrought ; Nor yet from Attalus who reigned Have I, an unknown heir, a regal house obtained ; Nor of Laconian wool for me Do noble maidens weave rich purple drapery ; Yet faith and genius are to me, A kindly -flowing* vein ; and, though so poor I be, The rich man seeks me ; for no more I importune the Gods, nor from my friend in power More liberal gifts do I require : Enough the blessing of my farm, my one desire. Day ever pushes onward day, And newly-risen moons hasten to pass away ; 24,2 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. Tu secanda marmora Locas sub ipsum funus et sepulcri Immemor struis domos Marisque Bais obstrepentis urges Summovere litora, Parum locuples contiuente ripa. Quid quod usque proximos Revellis agri termiuos et ultra Limites clientium Salis avarus ? Pellitur paternos In sinu ferens deos Et uxor et vir sordidosque natos. Nulla certior tamen Eapacis Orci sede destinata Aula divitem manet Erum. Quid ultra tendis ? ^Equa tellus Pauperi recluditur Regumque pueris, nee satelles Orci Callidum Promethea Revexit auro captus : hie superbum Tantalum atque Tantali Genus coercet, hie levare functum Pauperem laboribus Yocatus atque non vocatus audit. THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 243 Thou, though so near the fun'ral gloom, Dost order marbles to be cut, and, of the tomb Not mindful, palaces dost found ! And, where the sea makes Baiae with a roar resound, Thou hurriest to remove the shore, Not rich enough, because the bank confines thee sore ! Why add that, at the boundary, Thou thrustest back the landmarks, and beyond where lie The limits of thy clients' land Thou leapest avaricious ! Lo ! an outcast band The wife and husband, on their breast Bearing their fathers' Gods and ragged children prest ! And yet no hall more certainly Awaits the rich lord than the destined boundary Of ravenous Hell ! Ah ! wherefore try To stretch to yonder distance ? With strict equity Earth opens to the poor as well As to the sons of kings. The satellite of Hell, For all Prometheus' subtlety, Did not convey him back, captured by gold. 'Tis he Keeps haughty Tantalus, and all The race of Tantalus confined : 'tis he withal Who, when the poor his work has done, Invoked or not invoked to give relief, is won. 244 THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. LIBER III. CARMEN XVI. Inclusam Danaen turris aenea Robustaeque fores et vigilum canum Tristes excubise munierant satis Nocturnis ab adulteris Si non Acrisium virginis abditaa Custodem pavidum Juppiter et Venus Risissent : fore enim tutura iter et patens Converso in pretium deo. Aurum per inedios ire satellites Et perrumpere amat saxa potentius Ictu fulmineo : concidit auguris Argivi domus, ob lucrum THE SPIRIT AND THE MUSE. 245 BOOK III. ODE XVI. Imprisoned Danae, brazen tower,