GEMS OF ENGLISH POETRY. GEOFFREY CHAUCER. THE GOOD PARSON. A TRUE good man there was there of religion, Benign he was, and wondrous diligent, And in adversity full patient, As proven oft; to all who lack'd, a friend. At every need much rather was he found Wide was his cure; the houses far asunder ; This noble ensample to his flock he gave, Though holy in himself, and virtuous, He waited not on pomp or reverence, EDMUND SPENSER. Born, 1553; Died, 1599. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS. AND is there care in heaven? And is there love There is else much more wretched were the case How oft do they their silver bowers leave, They for us fight, they watch and duly ward, O, why should heavenly God to man have such regard? FROM "A HYMN OF HEAVENLY LOVE." OUT of the bosom of eternal bliss, In which He reigned with His glorious Sire, |