The Snow-Drop Part 6

Though that brave heart was cased in steel.

Which flashed forth wrath that all might feel, Who Israel's right oppressed; Yet, in its sacred chambers rose As pure a flame as ever glows Within a parent's breast.

He turned him to that sacred spot, Where one loved being shared his lot,-- (It was an only child;) Though long she'd wept and quaked with fear, When "victory," fell upon her ear, She wiped her eyes and smiled.

Like as the lark outspreads her wings, And, while she's soaring, sweetly sings To charm the listener's ears, The maiden, springing from her seat, Flew forth, her coming friend to greet.

Her father now appears.

As her light footsteps pressed the ground, Melodious music floated round, Forth gus.h.i.+ng from her heart.

"Alas! my child," the father sighed, "What sent thee here, my love?" he cried, "To tell that we must part?"

"Thy father made a solemn vow,-- He sees, he feels his error now, Yes, made a vow to G.o.d; And he will claim my darling now, He bids me pay that awful vow, And pay it with thy blood."

"But how can I thy life destroy?

Thou art my solace, hope, and joy, My cherished only child."

The l.u.s.tre beaming from her eye, Seemed caught from radiant orbs on high, So brilliant, yet so mild.

"Pay to the Lord thy vow," she said, "G.o.d's altar is a pleasant bed, From thence to heaven I'll rise.

The Lord has answered thy request, Israel is free, our land at rest, I'll be thy sacrifice."

"Like a lost sheep I have gone astray."--_Psalms_.

Like sheep that wander far astray, Nor ask the shepherd's care, Did I forsake the narrow way, Nor seek my G.o.d in prayer.

I wandered in a desert wild.

Where snares beset me 'round; Trifles and toys my feet beguiled, And all my senses drowned.

Though clouds encompa.s.sed me around, In darkness on I sped, Still wand'ring on enchanted ground, Till hope seemed almost fled.

I murmured, at the righteous hand That held the chast'ning rod, Like one that could not understand The precepts of his G.o.d.

Well might the Father's smile depart, The Savior hide his face, And G.o.d, the spirit, shun my heart, That foul polluted place.

We never find the heavenly dove Perched on an idol throne; Those, who would share Jehovah's love, Must wors.h.i.+p him alone.

"And the vail of the temple was rent in twain."--_Scripture_.

Come, with your guilt and sin oppressed, In Christ there's pardon, peace and rest; Come, humbly bow before his feet, No vail conceals the mercy seat.

Come, boldly to a throne of grace, The vilest here may find a place,-- For that dark vail was rent in twain, When Christ, the heavenly lamb, was slain.

Come, rear no altar, slay no beast, Our Savior now is great high priest, He rent the vail, to make it plain, That free access should hence remain.

LINES

TO A LONG ABSENT RELATIVE.

Is Thy native land forgotten?

Wilt thou still a wand'rer be?

Have New England's hills and valleys Lost their every charm for thee?

Is thy native land forgotten?

Tell me, dost thou feel content, Far from that loved rural dwelling Where thine infant days were spent?

Is thy native land forgotten, Where glad parents, filled with joy, Prayed for heaven's richest blessings To attend their infant boy?

Is thy native land forgotten, Laud where thou first drew thy breath, Where those sainted parents watched thee, Where they closed their eyes in death?

Is thy native land forgotten?

Or dost thou revere the sod Where thy heart for sin was broken, Where thy soul found peace with G.o.d?

Is that sacred stream forgotten, Where, immersed beneath the flood, Saying, "I with Christ am buried, And henceforth will live to G.o.d?"

Is that hallowed spot forgotten?

Or does fancy paint it now, With bright angels hov'ring o'er it Waiting to record that vow?

Are thy brothers all forgotten, Playmates 'neath New England's skies?

When thy sisters' names are mentioned, Do no warm emotions rise?

Is that wasted form forgotten, Ling'ring 'round cold Jordan's sh.o.r.e, Praying death to stay his arrow Till she hears thy voice once more?

Can that sister be forgotten?

Thou art twining 'round her heart: Come, and let her eyes behold thee, Let her soul in peace depart.

Is that river's sh.o.r.e forgotten, Where in childhood, oft we strayed; Where the grape in purple cl.u.s.ters, Ripen'd 'neath the elm tree's shade?

Tell, dear friend, hast thou forgotten, When beneath the apple tree, That fair group of young companions, Joined in merry sport with thee?

That old apple tree has withered, And has vanished from the plain; But that group are all still living,-- Come, and meet with us again.

LINES

TO THE WIFE OF THE ABOVE.

Fair daughter of a sunny clime,[4]

And bride of him we love, The grief of those who mourn his loss, Hath power thy heart to move.