Cheering many a thirsty traveller. This is like a man who riseth From a humble life and hidden Unto power, and wealth, and wisdom, Gaining large and goodly influence, Giving, as he upward rises, Courage unto needy pilgrims, Help unto the homeless wanderer. These are of Nimæra’s kingdom. But, as we have traced the river From its wild and rustic birthplace, Let us see the scenes beside it; And in wonder deep we ponder How all these things were created, And of the unbounded knowledge p. 68Of the Being great who made them. First we pass the lake which spreadeth Wide its bosom to the sunshine, Or unto the winds and tempests; By its mountain bulwarks guarded, Which for everlasting passion Keep the couch whereon it sleepeth. Then the sweet and happy village, Standing in the peaceful valley, Fraught of fondest recollections Of the happy days of childhood Unto many far departed, Toiling through the world’s courses. There is simple joy and humble, And in unity the daytime And the tranquil of the night time Keep harmonious pleasures by it. Stand around it woods and pastures, Full of song, and peace, and plenty; O’er them softest winds are wafted, Sporting gently with the leaflets, Which unite in murmurs often, Seeming to reproach them thuswise: “Why came ye so near our pillows, To disturb the peaceful order Of our slumbers sweet and soothing?” p. 69In the east behold the gay orb Leave its cradle for rejoicing O’er its course in might and grandeur. On the west behold the pillow Where it lieth down to slumber. Next, as we go wandering onward From these rustic scenes and pleasing, Comes the city, overflowing With a motley population. There oft pestilence and sickness Pay each other salutation, And unite their fatal efforts To destroy in deadly numbers, Raging through the streets in darkness, And disguiséd in the daytime To betray the one who thinks not That his doom is yet so near him. There the harlot of the midnight Holdeth forth her deadly charmings To entice the blind and simple. He is simple who doth lend her Such a glance that lusts go after; He defiléd that partaketh Of the couch she sheweth to him. Seek of wisdom, and refrain thee From the path whereon she lurketh; p. 70She will draw thy vigor from thee, And thy spirit to destruction. There is sin, in all its blackness, Spreading wide its vile infection. Like unto a thief it stealeth Through the crowded lanes and alleys; And appeareth, robed more gaily, Yet as hideous in its purpose, In the dwellings of the lofty, On their walks and promenadings. Here the young are led from virtue Unto every ill devising; As the lad who, in his anger, Curseth a reproving parent Daily wanders unto evil, Till his hand is raised to murder, Reeking in a brother’s life-blood. Then of fear he is betaken, And a bloody spirit 

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