COEUR DE LION. Deep were the shades that round thy dwelling lay, The canopy that veiled the face of day; Bound fast their iron chain, thy captive life to win : Thy dark abode 109 Shines with the light of grace, the effluence of thy God. Up! with thine armour on ; And fight for Him, Maker and Monarch of the earth and air, 'Mid shining seraphim : Thine is a glorious work, Soldier, be wise! Perform thy part on earth, and run for paradise! Look where the enemy the battle swells! But soon that rage shall cease, A Champion in the host of Israel dwells- The conquering sword, the thunderbolt of power Salvation is His work-the appointed hour Enveloped in the thickest of the fight, Soldier in arms, well done! Thy course is free: Transfigured is thy being, and thy port Grace has renewed thy spirit, grace divine Thy Master calls thee from that world above- His hand extends the tokens of His love, Soldier, look up! The accepted time is come He gives thee welcome there to thine eternal home! For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.-EPHES. vi. 12, 13. NARCISSA. IN colours bright and clear,—of varying hue, The image of a soul refined and true, Shrined in accustomed scenes, to memory's eye And Fancy with her glass, can well supply I may not see thee in thy pilgrim dress, Thou wast a dweller in earth's wilderness To virtue dear. NARCISSA. Thy lays were from the heart-they touched a spring That hidden lies And like the bird of night, 'twas thine to sing Thus thou didst sooth thy being, pouring forth In which the Saviour's merits and His worth I fain would greet thy spirit-as I track But thou! how could I wish thy presence back 'Tis sweet, 'tis doubly sweet, as here we tread To mark the steps of those, the early dead, I fain would greet thee in life's little day, Scattering fresh flowers of thought around thy way, Sweet is the memory of thy labours done, But thou a never fading wreath hast won- Thy soul commissioned with a rich bequest, The accents on thy tongue spoke to the breast, 111 |