Next morn, in humble, sweet content, Into his studio he went, Eager to test his willing hand, And rule the clay with wise command. But no fair wonder first he wrought, No marvel of creative thought, Not even a Virgin for a shrine, Or soldier clad in armor fine— Only such toys as Andrefels To laughing, wondering children sells!
One day he knelt him gravely down Beside the hearth-stone, rent and brown. “And now, my patient wife,” said he, “What can be done with this, we’ll see.” With straining arm and crimsoned face He pried the mortar from its place, Lifted the heavy stone aside, And left a cavern yawning wide. Oh, wondrous tale! At set of sun The guerdon of his search was won; And where his broken hearth-stone lay He found at last the perfect clay!
JUBILATE!
Jubilate! Jubilate! Christ the Lord is risen to-day! Hear the mighty chorus swelling Over land and over sea! River calls aloud to river, Mountain peak to mountain peak— Jubilate! Jubilate! Christ the Lord is risen to-day!
Waken, roses, from your slumbers! Lilies, wake—for he is near! Happy bells in wild-wood arches, Ring and swing in sweet accord! Lift your voices, O ye maples, Sing aloud, ye stately pines, Jubilate! Jubilate! Christ the Lord is risen to-day!
O thou goddess of the springtime, Fair Ostera, thou art dead! Never more shall priests and vestals Weave fresh garlands for thy shrine; But the happy voices ringing Over land and over sea, Swell the mighty jubilate— “Christ the Lord is risen to-day!”
EASTER LILIES
O ye dear and blessed ones who are done with sighing, Do the Easter Lilies blow for you to-day? Do the shining angels, through Heaven’s arches flying, Bear the snow-white blossoms on your breasts to lay?
For we cannot reach you, O our well belovèd— Nothing can we do for you save to hold you dear; From our close embraces ye are far removèd, And our empty yearnings cannot bring you near.
Once on Easter mornings glad we gave you greeting— Gave you fair flowers, singing, “Christ is risen to-day!” Hands were clasped together, hearts and lips were meeting— Earth and we together sang a roundelay!