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XII.

5.

NOT seldom, clad in radiant vest,
Deceitfully goes forth the Morn;
Not seldom Evening in the west
Sinks smilingly forsworn.

The smoothest seas will sometimes prove,

To the confiding Bark, untrue;

And, if she trust the stars above,

They can be treacherous too.

The umbrageous Oak, in pomp outspread,
Full oft, when storms the welkin rend,
Draws lightning down upon the head
It promised to defend.

But Thou art true, incarnate Lord,
Who didst vouchsafe for man to die;
Thy smile is sure, thy plighted word
No change can falsify!

I bent before thy gracious throne,
And asked for peace on suppliant knee;
And peace was given, -nor peace alone,
But faith sublimed to ecstasy!

VOL. III.

XIII.

FOR THE SPOT WHERE THE HERMITAGE STOOD ON ST. Herbert's ISLAND, DERWENT-WATER.

STRANGER! this shapeless heap of stones and earth Is the last relic of St. Herbert's Cell.

Here stood his threshold; here was spread the roof That sheltered him, a self-secluded Man,

After long exercise in social cares

And offices humane, intent to adore

The Deity, with undistracted mind,
And meditate on everlasting things,
In utter solitude. - But he had left

A Fellow-labourer, whom the good Man loved
As his own soul. And, when with eye upraised

To heaven he knelt before the crucifix,

While o'er the Lake the cataract of Lodore

Pealed to his orisons, and when he paced

Along the beach of this small isle and thought
Of his Companion, he would pray that both
(Now that their earthly duties were fulfilled)
Might die in the same moment. Nor in vain

So prayed he—as our Chronicles report,
Though here the Hermit numbered his last day,
Far from St. Cuthbert his beloved Friend,
Those holy Men both died in the same hour.

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