THE LEAF. We all do fade as a Leaf. Isa. Ixiv. 6. SEE the leaves around us falling, Sons of Adam, once in Eden Virgins, much, too much, presuming Sons of honour, fed on praises, Learned sophs, in systems jaded, Youths, tho' yet no losses grieve you, Venerable sires, grown hoary, Yearly in our course returning On the Tree of Life eternal, Man, let all thy hope be staid, Which alone, for ever vernal, Bears a Leaf that shall not fade. AN ODE. The sentiment from the divine Herbert. SWEET day, so cool, so calm, so bright, Bridal of earth and sky, The dew shall weep thy fall to-night; For thou, alas! must die. Sweet rose, in air whose odours wave, And colour charms the eye, Thy root is ever in its grave, And thou, alas! must die. Sweet spring, of days and roses made, Thy days depart, thy roses fade, Be wise then, Christian, while you may, For swiftly time is flying; The thoughtless man, that laughs to-day, To-morrow will be dying. THE FLOWERS. THE HELIOTROPE. THROUGH all the changes of the day I turn me to the SUN: In clear or cloudy skies I say THE VIOLET. A LOWLY flow'r, in secret bow'r, Invisible I dwell; For blessing made, without parade, EMBLEM of him, in whom no stain THE ROSE. WITH ravish'd heart that crimson hail, Which in my bosom glows: Think how the lily of the vale Became like Sharon's rose. THE PRIMROSE. WHEN Time's dark winter shall be o'er, THE GARDEN. THE bow'r of innocence and bliss Sin caus'd to disappear: Repent, and walk in faith and love-- A MORNING HYMN ON EASTER-DAY. HARK! the shrill herald of the morn Begins the sons of men to warn, To celebrate his great renown, At this the fainting shadows die, The pow'rs of darkness swiftly fly Before the morning star; Pale trembling murder dares not stay, And fiends, abash'd at sight of day, Back to their den repair. |