The mountains that infold In their wide sweep, the coloured landscape round, Seem groups of giant kings in purple and gold, That guard the enchanted ground. I roam the woods that crown The upland, where the mingled splendours glow, My steps are not alone In these bright walks; the sweet south-west at play Flies, rustling, where the painted leaves are strewn Along the winding way. And far in heaven, the while, The sun, that sends that gale to wander here, Where now the solemn shade, Let in through all the trees Come the strange rays; the forest depths are bright, The rivulet, late unseen When bickering through the shrubs its waters run, But 'neath yon crimson tree Lover to listening maid might breathe his flame, Her blush of maiden shame. THE THREE ENEMIES. O Autumn! why so soon Depart the hues that make thy forest glad, Ah! 'twere a lot too blest For ever in thy coloured shades to stray, And leave the vain, low strife 381 That makes men mad-the tug for wealth and power, "SWEET, thou art pale." "More pale to see, Christ hung upon the cruel tree "Sweet, thou art sad." 66 Beneth a rod More heavy, Christ for my sake trod "Sweet, thou art weary." "Not so Christ: Whose mighty love of me sufficed "Sweet, thou art footsore." "If I bleed His feet have bled; yea, in my need. THE WORLD. "Sweet, thou art young. "9 "So He was young Who for my sake in silence hung Upon the cross with passion wrung." "Look, thou art fair.” "He was more fair Than men, Who deigned for me to wear A visage marred beyond compare." "And thou hast riches." "Daily bread: All else is his: Who, living, dead, For me lacked where to lay his Head." "And life is sweet." "It was not so To Him, whose cup did overflow With mine unutterable woe." THE DEVIL. "Thou drinkest deep." "When Christ would sup He drained the dregs from out my cup; So how should I be lifted up?" "Thou shalt win glory." "In the skies: Lord Jesus, cover up mine eyes Lest they should look on vanities." "Thou shalt have knowledge." "Helpless dust! In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust; WHEN MY HEART IS VEXED, I WILL COMPLAIN. 383 "And might." "Get thee behind me. Lord, Who hast redeemed and not abhorred My soul, oh, keep it by thy Word." "WHEN MY HEART IS VEXED, I WILL COMPLAIN." CHRISTINA G. ROSSETTI. (By permission of the Publishers.) "O LORD, how canst Thou say Thou lovest me? O Lord, how canst Thou say Thou lovest me ?" "I came from Edom by as parched a track, The wine-press all alone: and I am God." "Yet, Lord, how canst Thou say Thou lovest me? 195 "Alas! thou knowest that for thee I died, In sight of men and angels crucified : All this and more I bore to prove My love. and wilt thou yet mistrust My love?" "Lord, I am fain to think Thou lovest me, "Nay, if thy love is not an empty breath M. H, Gill & Son, Printers, Dublin. |