IN THE WOOD. N the wood where shadows are deepest Where the wild wood-strawberries cluster, And the softest moss is spread, I met to-day with a fairy, And I followed her where she led. Some magical words she uttered, For the sky grew bluer and brighter; The cloudy walls of a palace, That was built in Fairy-land. And I stood in a strange enchantment; I had known it all before: In my heart of hearts was the magic Of days that will come no more, The magic of joy departed, That Time can never restore. That never, ah, never, never, Shall I tell you what powerful fairy TWO WORLDS. OD'S world is bathed in beauty, Which thrills the earth with music, Hid in earth's mines of silver, One thought fills God's creation- In God's world Strength is lovely, And Light-God's glorious shadow To both great gifts belong; And they all melt into sweetness, Above God's world bends Heaven, In the tender shade of night; And she casts back Heaven's sweetness, God's world has one great echo; Whether calm blue mists are curled, Or lingering dew-drops quiver, Or red storms are unfurled; The same deep love is throbbing Through the great heart of God's world. Man's world is black and blighted, Steeped through with self and sin; And should his feeble purpose The work is marred and tainted By Leprosy within. Man's world is bleak and bitter; He spoils the tender beauty And blasts the loving Heaven There Strength on coward weakness And Love-Oh God, avenge it- Man's world is Pain and Terror; And wove in nets of sorrow Black, hideous, cold, and dreary, And yet God's world is speaking: Man will not hear it call; E |