# CLXXIII A PRAYER HOU, who dost dwell alone,— Thou, to whom all are known From the cradle to the grave,— Save, O save. From the world's temptations, From tribulations; From that fierce anguish Wherein we languish; From that torpor deep Wherein we lie asleep, Heavy as death, cold as the grave; Save, O save. When the soul, growing clearer, When the soul, mounting higher, To God comes no nigher : Foiling her high emprise, Sealing her eagle eyes, And when she fain would soar, Makes idols to adore; Of her high devotion To a skin-deep sense Of her own eloquence : Strong to deceive, strong to enslave, Save, O save. From the ingrained fashion Of this earthly nature That mars thy creature ; From grief that is but passion; Save, O save. From doubt where all is double : Where Love is half mistrust; Hungry, and barren, and sharp as the sea; O, set us free. O, let the false dream fly Where our sick souls do lie Tossing continually. O, where thy voice doth come Let all doubts be dumb: Let all words be mild: All strifes be reconciled: All pains beguiled. Light bring no blindness; Love no unkindness; Fear no undoing. From the cradle to the grave, Save, O save. Matthew Arnold CLXXIV CHRISTIAN COURAGE SHAME upon thee, listless heart, As if thy Saviour had no part In thoughts that make thee grieve. As if along His lonesome way He had not borne for thee Thou shalt have joy in sadness soon; 7. Kelle CLXXV L LITTLE SINS OOK westward, pensive little one, How the bright hues together run, Around where late the waning sun Sank in his evening cloud. Thou seest it not: an envious screen, One finger's breadth at hand will mar 16 J. Keble CLXXVI TH LOVE HEY sin who tell us love can die. In Heaven ambition cannot dwell, Its holy flame forever burneth, From Heaven it came, to Heaven returneth; Then hath in Heaven its perfect rest; The days of woe, the watchful night, An over-payment of delight. R. Southey |