Classic Poem

A TRAVELLER , from journeying
In countries far away,
Repassed his threshold at the close
Of a blest Sabbath-day;
A comely face — a voice of love —
A kiss of chaste delight,
Were the first things to welcome him
On that sweet Sabbath-night.

He stretched his limbs upon the hearth,
Before its friendly blaze,
And conjured up mixed memories
Of gay and gloomy days;
Feeling that none of gentle soul,
However far he roam,
Can e'er forego, can e'er forget,
The quiet joys of Home!

" Bring me my children! " cried the Sire,
With eager, earnest tone;
I long to press them, and to mark
How lovely they have grown!
Twelve weary months have passed away
Since I went o'er the sea,
To feel how sad and lone I am
Without my babes and Thee! "

" Refresh thee, while 'tis needful, " said
The fair and faithful Wife,
The while her pensive features paled,
And stirred with inward strife; —
" Refresh thee, Husband of my heart, —
I ask it as a boon;
Our children are reposing, love,
Thou shalt behold them soon. "

She spread the meal, she filled the cup,
She pressed him to partake;
He sat down blithely at the board,
And all for her sweet sake;
But when the frugal feast was done,
The thankful prayer preferred,
Again Affection's fountain flowed,
Again its voice was heard: —

" Bring me my children, darling Wife,
I'm in an ardent mood;
My soul wants purer aliment,
I crave for other food!
Bring forth my children to my gaze,
Or ere I rage or weep;
I yearn to kiss their happy eyes
Before I turn to sleep. "

" I have a question yet to ask, —
Be patient, Husband dear;
A Stranger, one auspicious morn,
Did send some Jewels here;
Until, to take them from my care,
But yesterday he came,
And I restored them with a sigh; —
Dost thou approve, or blame? "

" I marvel much, sweet Wife, that thou
Shouldst breathe such words to me; —
Repay to Man — resign to God ,
Whate'er is lent to thee;
Restore it with a willing heart, —
Be grateful for the trust;
Whate'er may tempt or try us, Wife,
Let us be ever just. "

She took him by the passive hand,
And up the moonlit stair
She led him, to their bridal bed,
With mute and mournful air;
She turned the cover down, and there,
In grave-like garments dressed,
Lay the Twin Children of their love,
In Death's serenest rest!

" These were the Jewels lent to me,
Which God has deigned to own;
The precious caskets still remain,
But, ah! the gems are gone;
But thou didst teach me to resign
What God alone can claim;
He giveth, and He takes away, —
Blest be His holy Name! "

The Father gazed upon his Babes, —
The Mother drooped apart,
While all the Woman's sorrow gushed
From her o'erburdened heart;
And with the striving of her grief,
Which wrung the tears she shed,
Were mingled low and loving words
To the unconscious dead.

When the sad Sire had looked his fill,
He veiled each breathless face,
And down in self-abasement bowed,
For comfort and for grace;
With the deep eloquence of woe,
Poured forth his secret soul,
Rose up, and stood erect and calm,
In spirit healed and whole.

" Restrain thy tears, poor Wife! " he said;
" I learn this lesson still, —
God gives, and God can take away, —
Blest be His holy will!
Blest are my Children, for they live ,
From sin and sorrow free;
And I am not all joyless, Wife,
With faith — hope — love, and THEE ! "