Saw the Lord that wicked deed?
Did the widow's prayer avail?
See you further on may read,
What the Lord had just decreed
In the sequel of my tale.
Thunder clouds hung overhead,
While those shocking acts were done;
Forth the lightning's arrow sped,
Guided there it struck them dead,
Ceased to beat their hearts of stone.
All who heard the widow's case,
Those who saw sweet Jenny's tears,
Got for them a better place,
Bade them wear a cheerful face,
Trust in God and calm their fears.
Said the widow to her Jane,
"Saw you how your darling died?
Did it of the act complain?
Jesus as a Lamb was slain,
As a Lamb was crucified.
"This was in the sinner's stead,
This was done for you and me;
For our sins he freely bled,
Bowed to Death his sacred head
On the shameful cursed tree."
Heard that lovely girl these things?
Yes, and did believe them too.
Faith its blessings to her brings,
And God's goodness oft she sings.
This, dear reader, you may do.
TO A VERY TALL SUNFLOWER.
Gigantic flower with many golden faces,
Why climbest thou so very high in air?
Art loth to show the very smallest traces
Of sweet Humility with aspect fair?
Well, even 'mongst men they are by far too rare!
I oft have heard how thou in deep devotion
Dost follow Sol, the glorious king of Day.
If this be true, perhaps thou seek'st promotion
To his high courts, thy splendors to display,
And dazzle all who view thy bright array.
Poets we know are strangely given to dreaming,
And thus it came—they all thought this of thee.
'Tis true, sometimes thy yellow flowers do seem in
Just such a mood, and this they chanced to see;
But those who watch thee closely will agree