The Middle Aisle: Holy Scripture IX

Thy guiding hand a little further on !
Now other ears we need, and other eyes,
For semblance hath brought forth reality :
The cloud the Sun, the night reveal'd the Day,
Which from her open'd portals walks abroad,
With messages of mercy to the poor.
The volume is unfolded day by day,
Unletter'd hinds are greater than the proud,
And penniless old age is rich and young,
Sequester'd ignorance is wiser far
Than knowledge, in her city trappings dress'd.
See, where combin'd in our diurnal round,
There moves a twofold orb of light divine,

With one pale glimmering star, — then hills afar
Come forth in brightness, promontories, seas,
And hanging woods, and gradual breaks to view
The infinite expanse, and all the stars ;
He on his homeward way rejoicing goes.

A little onward lend thy guiding hand !
Thus daily may we gather better thoughts,
And arm our souls with steadfastness, or learn
That we have nought to gather, nought to lose,
On earth, and in that knowledge learn our peace.
Then welcome disappointment, and decay,
Bereavement, and keen sense of lov'd ones lost, —
While not a star along the aerial hall,
But solitude, and sterner forms of woe
Lend their companionship amid the gloom —
Full welcome, if they lead us, in Thy path,
To cling the more to Thy parental hand,
Far better than false gleams that lead us thence,
And then desert us.

Soon comes forth to view
Upon her nightly watch the silent Moon,
Ether's blue arms around her, gradual breaks
The infinite expanse, and all the stars ;
He on his homeward way rejoicing goes.

Then by degrees is gathered that within,
Which more and more impels, and urges on
Heavenward — himself unconscious of the Power ;
Like gales that swell unseen, and move at length
The unheeding bark, or thoughts the unconscious frame.
Thence he the spirit of obedience wears,
Chains round the neck, and ornaments of grace,
By others seen, but to himself unknown,
Blest ignorance, the nurse of lowly thoughts !