And now with eyes in whose clear depths
The peace of Heaven sweet radiance gave,
She watched for one whose home-bound sails
Floated adown the northen wave,—
Auke Van Stralan, whom her heart
Read worthy love so fond and dear,—
A young, brave soul, swift to obey
When Duty's summons sounded clear.
The peace of Heaven sweet radiance gave,
She watched for one whose home-bound sails
Floated adown the northen wave,—
Auke Van Stralan, whom her heart
Read worthy love so fond and dear,—
A young, brave soul, swift to obey
When Duty's summons sounded clear.
And while the evening's purple haze
Falls like a benediction round,
"God's meal" is spread, and 'mid the hush
Of waiting, comes the welcome sound
Of the dear voice, the ringing step,
And all the house is quick with joy,—
With tears and smiles and tender words,—
"Thank God, thank God, my boy, my boy."
Falls like a benediction round,
"God's meal" is spread, and 'mid the hush
Of waiting, comes the welcome sound
Of the dear voice, the ringing step,
And all the house is quick with joy,—
With tears and smiles and tender words,—
"Thank God, thank God, my boy, my boy."
********
The blessing said, they gather round to share
"God's meal," that ends the busy week,
And count "God's wages,"—joys and pains alike,
With quiet gladness and with patience meek.
Each tells his tale of trial or of joy,—
Of tasks completed, smooth or rugged ways;
And each in ending adds the same refrain,
"God pays sure wages, unto Him be praise."
"God's meal," that ends the busy week,
And count "God's wages,"—joys and pains alike,
With quiet gladness and with patience meek.
Each tells his tale of trial or of joy,—
Of tasks completed, smooth or rugged ways;
And each in ending adds the same refrain,
"God pays sure wages, unto Him be praise."
55
