THE PAUSE.

There is a pause in nature, ere the storm Rushes resistless in its awful might; There is a softening twilight, ere the morn Expands her wings of glory into light.

There is a sudden stillness in the heart, Ere yet the tears of wounded feeling flow; A speechless expectation, ere the dart Of sorrow lays our fondest wishes low.

There is a dreamy silence in the mind, Ere yet it wakes to energy of thought; A breathless pause of feeling, undefined, Ere the bright image is from fancy caught.

There is a pause more holy still, When Faith a brighter hope has given, And, soaring over earthly ill, The soul looks up to heaven!