In matted grass, that with a livelier green To soothe and satisfy the human ear. Ten thousand warblers cheer the day, and one But cawing rooks, and kites that swim sublime WILLIAM COWPER, 1731-1800. -The Task. THE LORD'S PRAYER. "After this manner, therefore, pray ye !"-MAtt. vi. FATHER in heaven! Thy sacred name By happy spirits round Thy throne As Thy commands are done; So be Thy perfect will obey'd By all beneath the sun. Our numerous wants are known to Thee, Who canst alone supply; Oh grant each day our daily bread, Forgive our sins, as we forgive Thou art our safety and defence Oh turn aside impending ills Thy sceptre all creation sways; While endless ages roll. HANCOX. THE SKIES. Av! gloriously thou standest there, Far, far below thee, tall old trees Yet far thou stretchest o'er his flight. Thou hast thy frowns-with thee on high His stores of hail and sleet; Yet art thou prodigal of smiles Smiles sweeter than thy frowns are stern; Earth sends from all her thousand isles A shout at thy return; The glory that comes down from thee Bathes in deep joy the land and sea. The sun, the gorgeous sun, is thine, The pomp that brings and shuts the day, Thence look the thoughtful stars, and there The sunny Italy may boast The beauteous tints that flush her skies; I only know how fair they stand And they are fair—a charm is theirs, That earth, the proud green earth, has not, With all the forms, and hues, and airs, That haunt her sweetest spot. We gaze upon thy calm, pure sphere, Oh when, amid the throng of men, And look into thy azure breast -American. W. C. BRYANT, 1798. O GOD, OUR FATHER, HEAR! WHEN dawn awakes our hearts And gives a pause to care; To ask Thy peace and rest- When worldly snares without, O God, our Father, hear! When in our cup of mirth Are crumbling round our walls; When back we gaze with grief, And forward glance with fear; When faileth man's relief O God, our Father, hear! |