Did I wish myself on shore, Never to forsake it more? No-" My soul," I cried, " be still; Next he hasten'd to convey Still, however, life was safe; And I saw him turn and laugh: Friend," he cried, " adieu! lie low, While the wintry storms shall blow; When the spring has calm'd the main, You shall rise and float again." Soon I saw him, with dismay, Spread his plumes, and soar away; "Tis in vain to seek him more. How I trembled then and fear'd, When my love had disappear'd! "Wilt thou leave me thus," I cried, "Whelm'd beneath the rolling tide?" Vain attempt to reach his ear! Love was gone, and would not hear. Ah! return, and love me still ; See me subject to thy will; Frown with wrath, or smile with grace, Only let me see thy face! Evil I have none to fear, All is good, if thou art near. Yet he leaves me-cruel fate! Tell me, and forgive my sin! King, and Lord, whom I adore, Be not angry; I resign, Go, then, and for ever too; All is right that thou wilt do. This was just what love intended, Love return'd to me and smiled: Never strife shall more betide "Twixt the bridegroom and his bride. A CHILD OF GOD LONGING TO SEE HIM BELOVED. THERE's not an echo round me, But I am glad should learn, How pure The love with which I burn. For none attends with pleasure The rocks receive less proudly I speak to them of sadness, They bid me look for gladness, Far from all habitation, These sweet and secret tidings, What bliss it is to hear! For, spite of all my chidings, My weakness and my fear, No sooner I receive them, Than I forget my pain, And, happy to believe them, I love as much again. I fly to scenes romantic, For riot and confusion They barter things above; Condemning, as delusion, The joy of perfect love. In this sequester'd corner, None hears what I express; Deliver'd from the scorner, What peace do I possess ! Beneath the boughs reclining, Or roving o'er the wild, I live, as undesigning, And harmless as a child. No troubles here surprise me, I innocently play, While Providence supplies me, And guards me all the day: My dear and kind defender Preserves me safely here, From men of pomp and splendour, ASPIRATIONS OF THE SOUL AFTER GOD. My Spouse! in whose presence I live, Who know'st what a flame I conceive, And canst easily double its fires; I find even sorrow made sweet; Transported I see thee display Thy riches and glory divine; For thou art as faithful as strong; My spirit and faculties fail; Oh finish what love has begun! Destroy what is sinful and frail, And dwell in the soul thou hast won! 1 |