III. Though soon the bright hues fade and die,
HOPE on sown fields can sheaves descry.
THE CIRCLE OF HUMAN LIFE.
Oh who will teach me, ere it fleets away,
To make the most of life's brief winter day?
Behold, the Church extends the hand of grace
To help the pilgrim entering on the race ;
And, ere the threatening storms obscure the sky,
Yields him a refuge in her sanctuary:
That hand he holds until, in strength increased,
The Master calls him to the holy feast,
Where the new man receives congenial food,
As died the old in the baptismal flood:
Thus, trained by home and Church to meet the strife,
In manhood's strength he takes the field of life;
And, first the wide and various scene explored,
Selects some spot on which to serve the Lord :
Next, that the hours of toil may sweetly glide,
He calls the gentle helpmate to his side,
And labours on, till, old and weary grown,
Kind death approaching, mows the veteran down :
Then meet the mourners round his silent grave,
And God adore for the dear friend He gave :