A CHANT. A CHANT. I. WHO is the Angel that cometh? Life! Let us not question what he brings, Under the shade of his mighty wings, Are his secrets told; One by one, Lit by the rays of each morning sun, Shall a new flower its petals unfold, In the name of the Lord!" II. Who is the Angel that cometh? Joy! Look at his glittering rainbow wings, - Lies in the radiant gifts he brings; Tender and sweet, He is come to-day, Tender and sweet; While chains of love on his silver feet 119 Will hold him in lingering fond delay. But greet him quickly, he will not stay, Soon he will leave us; but though for others All his brightest treasures are stored, "Blessed is he that cometh In the name of the Lord!" III. Who is the Angel that cometh? Let us arise and go forth to greet him; Is the summons come for us to meet him; And darken our sun; He will stay A desolate night, a weary day. Since in that shadow our work is done, And in that shadow our crowns are won, Let us say still, while his bitter chalice Slowly into our hearts is poured, "Blessed is he that cometh In the name of the Lord!" IV. Who is the Angel that cometh ? But do not shudder and do not fear; Hold your breath, INCOMPLETENESS. For a kingly presence is drawing near. Is his flashing steel, The smile that comes like a starry light, In the name of the Lord!" 121 INCOMPLETENESS. NOTHING resting in its own completeness Can have worth or beauty; but alone Because it leads and tends to farther sweetness, Fuller, higher, deeper than its own. Spring's real glory dwells not in the meaning, To the Summer's richer wealth of flowers. Dawn is fair, because the mists fade slowly Childhood's smiles unconscious graces borrow Life is only bright when it proceedeth Learn the mystery of Progression duly; Nor dare to blame God's gifts for incompleteness; SOWING AND REAPING. OW Sow with a generous hand; Pause not for toil or pain; Weary not through the heat of summer, Weary not through the cold spring rain; But wait till the autumn comes For the sheaves of golden grain. SOWING AND REAPING. 123 Scatter the seed, and fear not, What matter if you are too weary while the seeds are lying Sow; Then sow; for the hours are fleeting, And the seed must fall to-day; Shall gladden the sunny day. Sow; and look onward, upward, Where the starry light appears, LET thy gold be cast in the furnace. For gold must be tried by fire, As a heart must be tried by pain! |