But whilst this direful tempest raves, And many barks are dashed to staves, I see you tower above the waves Like some tall rock, Whose base the harmless ocean laves Without a shock!

’Tis He who calmed the raging sea, Who bids the waves be still in thee, And keeps you from all dangers free Amidst the wreck; All sin, and care, and dangers flee E’en at His beck.

p. 196And on that great and dreadful day When heaven and earth shall pass away, Each soul to bliss He will convey, That knows His name; And give the giddy world a prey To quenchless flame.

p. 196

So oft when Sabbaths bade us rest, And heavenly zeal inspired your breast, Obedient to the high behest You preached to all, Whilst God your zealous efforts blessed, And owned your call.

The very thought my soul inspires, And kindles bright her latent fires; My Muse feels heart-warm fond desires, And spreads her wing, And aims to join th’ angelic choirs, And sweetly sing.

May rosy Health with speed return, And all your wonted ardour burn, And sickness buried in his urn, Sleep many years! So, countless friends who loudly mourn, Shall dry their tears!

Your wailing flock will all rejoice To hear their much-loved shepherd’s voice, And long will bless the happy choice Their hearts have made, And tuneful mirth will swell the noise Through grove and glade.

p. 197Your dearer half will join with me To celebrate the jubilee, And praise the Great Eternal Three With throbbing joy, And taste those pleasures pure and free Which never cloy.

p. 197

THE HAPPY COTTAGERS.

One sunny morn of May, When dressed in flowery green The dewy landscape, charmed With Nature’s fairest scene, In thoughtful mood I slowly strayed O’er hill and dale, Through bush and glade.

Throughout the cloudless sky Of light unsullied blue, The larks their matins raised, Whilst on my dizzy view, Like dusky motes, They winged their way Till vanished in The blaze of day.

The linnets sweetly sang On every fragrant thorn, Whilst from the tangled wood The blackbirds hailed the morn; And through the dew Ran here and there, But half afraid, The startled hare.

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