Hastening, still hastening on, But when 'tis fled and gone— Time, while we chide thy pace, Reckless and proud, Oft doth thy shadowy face Laugh from our shroud! HAGAR IN THE DESERT. MRS TIGHE. INJURED, hopeless, faint, and weary, Sad, indignant, and forlorn, Through the desert wild and dreary, Hagar leads the child of scorn. Who can speak a mother's anguish, Lo! the empty pitcher fails her, From the dreadful image flying, In the agonies of dying Can she see her soul's delight? Now bereft of every hope, Cast upon the burning ground, Poor, abandon'd soul! look up!— Mercy have thy sorrows found. Lo! the angel of the Lord Comes thy great distress to cheer; Listen to the gracious word, See! Divine relief is near. "Care of heaven! though man forsake thee, "Lift thine eyes, behold yon fountain "In the hour of sore affliction, God hath seen and pitied thee: Cheer thee in the sweet conviction, Thou henceforth His care shalt be. "Be no more by doubts distress'd, Mother of a mighty race! By contempt no more oppress'd, Thou hast found a resting-place." Thus from peace and comfort driven, Found thee in thy abject state. O'er thy empty pitcher mourning, See thy great Deliverer nigh, Calls thee from thy sorrow vain— Bids thee on His love rely: Bless the salutary pain! From thine eyes the mists dispelling, Lo! the well of life He shows In His presence ever dwelling, Future prospects rich in blessing, Of an heavenly kingdom sure! "A LITTLE WHILE." ROBERT KAYE GREVILLE. "A LITTLE while," and every fear That o'er the perfect day Shall pass into a smile; Time changes to eternity We only wait"a little while." "A little while," and every charmi That steals away the heart, And earthly joys that warm, And lure us from our part, Shall cease our heavenly view to dim; Who bade us wait" a little while." |