Then Death will come, and, unrelenting, Seek farther, farther yet, oh Dove! Beyond the Land, beyond the Sea, I heard a promise gently fall, It is not marred by outward strife, Through, and beyond them, lies our Rest: THÊ TYRANT AND THE CAPTIVE. T was midnight when I listened, Yet I saw no Vision enter, And I heard no steps depart, Of this Tyrant and his Captive,... Thus the stern Voice spake in triumph :- See no glory of the daytime, And no sweetness of the night." G But the soft Voice answered calmly: "Nay, for when the March winds bring Just a whisper to my window, I can dream the rest of Spring; But its bitter taunt repeating, Cried the harsh Voice:-" Where are they All the friends of former hours, Who forget your name to-day? All the links of love are shattered, Which you thought so strong before; And your very heart is lonely, And alone since loved no more." But the low Voice spoke still lower :- Of my Love is purer, stronger, But I, grieving here alone, Bind their souls to me for ever By the love within my own." But the Voice cried : "Once remember You devoted soul and mind To the welfare of your brethren, And the service of your kind. Now, what sorrow can you comfort? You, who lie in helpless pain, With an impotent compassion Nay;" and then the gentle answer Rose more loud, and full, and clear: "For the sake of all my brethren I thank God that I am here! Poor had been my Life's best efforts, Has the strength of Love and Death." THE CARVER'S LESSON. RUST me, no mere skill of subtle tracery, No mere practice of a dexterous hand, Will suffice, without a hidden spirit, That we may, or may not, understand. And those quaint old fragments that are left us Have their power in this, the Carver brought Earnest care, and reverent patience, only Worthily to clothe some noble thought. Shut then in the petals of the flowers, Place in stony hands that pray for ever Some true, loving message to your kind. |