XVIII.
Warm thanks are given: the workers fall to work
To do full justice to that savory meal.
No wicked feelings in their bosoms lurk
Against the family; but they strongly feel
They have an interest in all their weal,
And freely speak of coming back next day
The house to finish; kindly thus they deal
With those dear folks—who wish them still to stay—
And they will sing awhile, to cheer them on their way.
XIX.
To this they all consented; then arose
Song after song, in praise of Jesus' name!
Such songs can lighten e'en our saddest woes,
And raise in human hearts a heavenly flame.
Six men there were who, from that night, became
Quite altered characters—as all might see.
For Gospel Truth can e'en a savage tame;
Though this to some men seems a mystery—
Such have not seen themselves sunk in depravity.
XX.
The singing o'er, the good man said, "Let's pray."
All down beside him reverently knelt;
It was a proper close for such a day—
As all engaged must then have deeply felt.
And oh, the language of that prayer did melt
Some stony hearts, as I in truth would tell:
For GOODWORTH on God's love and mercy dwelt—
On coming judgment—and on Heaven and Hell—
Till every one seemed bound as by the strongest spell.
XXI.
This done, those neighbors—though reluctantly—
Took leave of that most happy household there:
And were as pleased as any men could be
They were allowed such company to share.
'Twas Spring time, and the still and balmy air
Was most refreshing to the wearied frame;
And Luna's brightness, though quite free from glare,
Enabled them to see which way they came—
For staying rather late they would incur no blame.
XXII.
The morning came, and with alacrity
Came settlers also, ready as before
To help the welcome new-come family
Whose strange, deep news had made their hearts so sore.
And now the labor of the day each bore
As if his own advantage he would seek.
Some went to roofing, some to fix the door
And windows, and with hearts and arms not weak,
They make the work fly fast, scarce leaving time to speak.