HYMNS OF FAITH AND HOPE. DIVINE ORDER. 'Tis first the true and then the beautiful, 'Tis first the good and then the beautiful,- Not first the glad and then the sorrowful,— Then we forget that we were ever sad. 10 DIVINE ORDER Not first the bright, and after that the dark,— But first the dark, and after that the bright; First the thick cloud, and then the rainbow's arc, First the dark grave, then resurrection-light. 'Tis first the night,―stern night of storm and war,— Long nights of heavy clouds and veiled skies; Then the far sparkle of the Morning-star, That bids the saints awake and dawn arise. LEFT BEHIND. Look at this starbeam! From its place of birth, Nor storm nor night have quenched its heavenly glow. Unbent before the winter's rugged blast, Undimmed it reaches me; but yet alone: The thousand gay companions that took wing Along with it have perished one by one, Scattered o'er space like blossoms of the spring. Some to yon nearer orbs have sped their course, Yon city's smoke has quenched a thousand more; Myriads in yon dark cloud have spent their force; A few stray gleams are all that reach our shore. |