26
TO J. C. D.
That have shone around and sparkled, from their high and jeweled throne,
Till my heart was stirred within me, by a glory not its own.
Till my heart was stirred within me, by a glory not its own.
From my childhood I have worshiped that high intellectual power,
Which, while pouring gems around us in profuse and golden shower,
To the toil-worn and the weary when affliction draweth nigh,
Yieldeth forth a sweet refreshment, when they almost pine to die.
Which, while pouring gems around us in profuse and golden shower,
To the toil-worn and the weary when affliction draweth nigh,
Yieldeth forth a sweet refreshment, when they almost pine to die.
As a fountain in the desert, when the storm clouds onward roll,
Giveth life, and health, and vigor, to the parched and thirsty soul,
So the well of mind will strengthen, when our strength is almost gone,
And amidst this living desert we have wandered far alone.
Giveth life, and health, and vigor, to the parched and thirsty soul,
So the well of mind will strengthen, when our strength is almost gone,
And amidst this living desert we have wandered far alone.
Not all lonely have I wandered, not unanswered have I sung,
For thy voice, like gladdest music, ever on my ear hath rung;
In the lone and far-off valley—on the rugged mountain side,
To whate'er my thoughts have wandered, thou wast ever found beside.
For thy voice, like gladdest music, ever on my ear hath rung;
In the lone and far-off valley—on the rugged mountain side,
To whate'er my thoughts have wandered, thou wast ever found beside.
