II. ERE yet I left home's youthful shrine, I went afar; the world unrolled I stored the marvels which she told, Her pleasures quaff'd, I sought awhile But parent's praise and sister's smile So ever sear, so ever cloy Earth's favours as they fade; Since Adam lost for one fierce joy His Eden's sacred shade. III. My home is now a thousand mile away; As I speed upward, I shall on me bear, And in no breathless whirl, the things that were, And duties given, and ends I did obey. And, when at length I reach the Throne of Power, Ah! still unscared, I shall in fulness see Lord in that strait, the Judge! remember me ! IV. How can I keep my Christmas feast Reft of the sight of the High Priest I hear the tuneful bells around, O Britons! now so brave and high, And calls the Bride away! Your Christmas then will lose its mirth, Abroad, a scene of strife and dearth; Within, a cheerless home! d. V. BANISHED the House of sacred rest, At length I heard its Creed confessed, Artless his strain and unadorned, LORD, grant me this abiding grace, 8. REMORSE. VI. SHAME. I BEAR Upon my brow the sign The course of passion, and the fret Of godless hope and fear, Toil, care, and guilt,-their hues have set, Saviour wash out the imprinted shame; Sin's martyr, though not meet to claim Thy cross, a saint of Thine. |