192 LYRICS OF THE II. Time was, a wonder lived nine days, But now, one minute's curious gaze Our quick kaleidoscope of Change Is working in the world's concerns. III. The foaming river of events Rushes adown its rocky steep, And causes, facts, and consequents And keen Excitement's rainbow light Hangs iridescent o'er the fall Of waters rushing in their might, Solemnly overwhelming all, IV. Ay,-a Niagara-life is ours! No rest, but ever hurried on By the great deep's gigantic powers, Yea, by the gale of human crimes Were the great terror of the times. V. The lotus-eaters all are dead; There is no nook for quiet thought; The halcyon birds of peace are fled, And calm contentments come to nought; Spur on,-spur on! our steeds are strong, No need to spare them in the pace; With reckless energy headlong We all resolve to win the race. VI. O day of hot competing strife! O crowded scene of struggling sin! What chance of any prize in life Has any tyro battling in? The rarest worth wins little gold; Wisdom has barely wit to live; What chance, compared with calms of old, Does all our hurly-burly give? VII. What chance?-my counsel is, keep still; They do not drown who lie afloat, And quietness sets free the will To pilot well the crankest boat; And, he that stands aloof from strife, Calmly resolved to thread the maze, Shall quell to his Success in life The riot of these rapid days. An Aspiration. O THAT I had a pastor near my home Honest and earnest, wise and good and kind, A man of gracious heart and vigorous mind, Untainted by the pestilence of Rome: How gladly would I recognise in such The guide, the brother, and the priest combined; With hearty help, albeit perchance not much, Standing beside him, strengthening his hands,--While he, uniting all men by the bands Of Christian fellowship and social love, Himself should illustrate what God commands, Lift up our hearts to fix their hopes above, And as the minister of Heaven be found The honour'd friend of every neighbour round! |