And so they entered the cottage, and all sat down round an open window which looked out upon the beautiful lake dotted with wooded islands, and surrounded by the noble forest, above which rose the giant peaks and precipices. The water was calm as glass, and reflected every brilliant colour from rock and tree, and, most of all, from the golden clouds, which already began to gather in the west. Darkeye read from the Blessed Book of one who had left his father’s house, and went to a far country, where he would fain have satisfied his hunger from the husks which the swine did eat, but who at last returned home after having suffered from his disobedience. When he closed the Book, all stood up and sang these words with sweet and happy voices:—
“Father! from Thy throne above,
Bless our lowly home below!
Jesus, Shepherd! in Thy love,
Save Thy flock from every foe.
“Thine we are! for Thou hast made us;
Thine, for we’re redeemed by Thee;
Thine, for Thou hast ever led us,
Thine, we evermore shall be!
“May we love Thee, may we fear Thee,