God spake to him by wealth, the world outpoured
Its treasures at his feet, and called him Lord;
Van Elsen's heart grew fat And proud thereat.
God spake the third time when the great world smiled,
And in the sunshine slew his little child;
Van Elsen like a tree Fell hopelessly.
Then in the darkness came a voice which said,
"As thy heart bleedeth, so my heart hath bled,
As I have need of thee, Thou needest me."
That night Van Elsen kissed the baby feet,
And, kneeling by the narrow winding sheet,
Praised Him with fervent breath Who conquered death.
FREDERICK GEORGE SCOTT.
WHEN LILACS LAST IN THE DOOR-YARD BLOOMED.
[THE DEATH OF LINCOLN.]
1.