Poems by Christina Georgina Rossetti Part 49

I praise Him on my thorn which I adorn,-- And I, amid my world of thistle and thorn,-- And I, within my veil where I am born.

Apple,--Citron,--Pomegranate.

We, Apple-blossom, Citron, Pomegranate, We, clothed of G.o.d without our toil and fret, We offer fatness where His Throne is set.

Vine,--Cedar,--Palm.

I proffer Him my sweetness, who am sweet,-- I bow my strength in fragrance at His feet,-- I wave myself before His Judgment Seat.

Medicinal Herbs.

I bring refreshment,-- I bring ease and calm,-- I lavish strength and healing,-- I am balm,-- We work His pitiful Will and chant our psalm.

A Spring.

Clear my pure fountain, clear and pure my rill, My fountain and mine outflow deep and still, I set His semblance forth and do His Will.

Sea.

To-day I praise G.o.d with a sparkling face, My thousand thousand waves all uttering praise: To-morrow I commit me to His Grace.

Floods.

We spring and swell meandering to and fro, From height to depth, from depth to depth we flow, We fertilize the world, and praise Him so.

Whales and Sea Mammals.

We Whales and Monsters gambol in His sight Rejoicing every day and every night, Safe in the tender keeping of His Might.

Fishes.

Our fas.h.i.+ons and our colors and our speeds Set forth His praise Who framed us and Who feeds, Who knows our number and regards our needs.

Birds.

Winged Angels of this visible world, we fly To sing G.o.d's praises in the lofty sky; We scale the height to praise our Lord most High.

Eagle and Dove.

I the sun-gazing Eagle,-- I the Dove, With plumes of softness and a note of love,-- We praise by divers gifts One G.o.d above.

Beasts and Cattle.

We forest Beasts,-- We Beasts of hill or cave,-- We border-loving Creatures of the wave,-- We praise our King with voices deep and grave.

Small Animals.

G.o.d forms us weak and small, but pours out all We need, and notes us while we stand or fall: Wherefore we praise Him, weak and safe and small.

Lamb.

I praise my loving Lord, Who maketh me His type by harmless sweet simplicity: Yet He the Lamb of lambs incomparably.

Lion.

I praise the Lion of the Royal Race, Strongest in fight and swiftest in the chase: With all my might I leap and lavish praise.

All Men.

All creatures sing around us, and we sing: We bring our own selves as our offering, Our very selves we render to our King.

Israel.

Flock of our Shepherd's pasture and His fold, Purchased and well-beloved from days of old, We tell His praise which still remains untold.

Priests.

We free-will Shepherds tend His sheep, and feed; We follow Him while caring for their need; We follow praising Him, and them we lead.

Servants of G.o.d.

We love G.o.d, for He loves us; we are free In serving Him, who serve Him willingly: As kings we reign, and praise His Majesty.

Holy and Humble Persons.

All humble souls he calls and sanctifies; All holy souls He calls to make them wise; Accepting all, His free-will sacrifice.

Babes.