IN the same brook none ever bathed him twice; We call the brook the same; the same we think THE lapse of time and rivers is the same; L Alike irrevocable both when past, And a wide ocean swallows both at last. Streams never flow in vain; where streams abound, How laughs the land with various plenty crown'd! But time, that should enrich the nobler mind, Neglected, leaves a dreary waste behind. OUR lives are rivers, gliding free LIFE COMPARED TO A RIVER. Thither all earthly pomp and boast Thither the mighty torrents stray, And tinkling rill. There all are equal. Side by side AND see the rivers how they run, Through woods and meads, in shade and sun: Wave succeeding wave, they go A various journey to the deep, Like human life to death's long sleep. De 83 EVENING PRAYER AT A GIRLS' SCHOOL. USH! 't is a holy hour-the quiet room Seems like a temple, while yon soft lamp sheds And the sweet stillness, down on fair young heads, Gaze on 't is lovely! Childhood's lip and cheek Mantling beneath its earnest brow of thought; Oh! joyous creatures! that will sink to rest 'Midst the dim-folded leaves at set of sun. Lift up your hearts! though yet no sorrow lies Dark in the summer-heaven of those clear eyes. Though fresh within your breasts th' untroubled springs Yet in those flute-like voices, mingling low, WIT AND WISDOM CONTRASTED. Her look is on you-silent tears to weep, And patient smiles to wear through suffering's hour, To pour on broken reeds-a wasted shower! Her lot is on you-to be found untired, Watching the stars out by the bed of pain, And a true heart of hope, though hope be vain ; And take the thought of this calm vesper time, With its low murmuring sounds and silvery light, WIT AND WISDOM CONTRASTED. THE path to bliss abounds with many a snare : The Frenchman, first in literary fame, (Mention him, if you please. Voltaire -The same.) 85 |