Patience

I.

I saw how the patient Sun Hasted untiringly The self-same old race to run; Never aspiringly Seeking some other road Through the blue heaven Than the one path which God Long since had given;-- And I said;--"Patient Sun, Teach me my race to run, Even as thine is done, Steadfastly ever; Weakly, impatiently Wandering never!"

II.

I saw how the patient Earth Sat uncomplainingly, While, in his boisterous mirth, Winter disdainingly Mocked at her steadfast trust, That, from its icy chain, Spring her imprisoned dust Soon would release again;-- And I said;--"Patient Earth, Biding thy hour of dearth, Waiting the voice of mirth Soon to re-waken, Teach me like thee to trust, Steadfast, unshaken!"

III.

I saw how the patient Stream Hasted unceasingly, Mindless of shade or gleam, Onward increasingly,-- Widening, deepening Its rocky bed ever, That it might thus take in River by river;-- And I said,--"Patient Stream, Hasting through shade and gleam, Careless of noontide beam, Loitering never, So teach thou me to press Onward forever!"

IV.

I saw how the Holiest One Sat in the Heaven, Watching each earth-born son Sin-tossed and driven,-- Watching war's mad'ning strife-- Brother 'gainst brother, Reckless of love and life, Slaying each other;-- And I said;--"Patient One, On thy exalted throne, Never impatient grown With our dark sinning, Though all its depth thou'st known From the beginning--

V.

"Though thy fair Earth has been Blood-dyed for ages, Though in her valleys green, Carnage still rages, Thou, o'er whose brow serene, Calmest and Holiest! Angel has never seen, E'en toward Earth's lowliest, Shadows impatient sweep Teach me, like thee, to keep In my soul, still and deep, Wavering never, Patience--a steady light, Burning forever!"

A PARTING HYMN.

Father in Heaven, to thee, Guardian and friend, Lowly the suppliant knee Here would we bend!-- Blessing thee ere we part, Each with a grateful heart, For all thy love doth send-- Plenteous and free!

Thanks for thy hand outspread Ever in power O'er each defenceless head In danger's hour! Thanks for the light arid love, From thy full fount above-- A rich and constant shower, O'er us still shed!

Go thou with us, we pray, Whom duties call To our high tasks away, Each one, and all,-- Go, with thy Spirit's might, Go, with thy Gospel's light --Whatever may befall-- With us alway

Now let thy blessing rest On us anew-- Brother, and friend, and guest, Tried ones and true-- Till, all Our pirtings o'er, Meeting, to part no more, In Heaven we renew Friendships so blest