The Clouds consign their treasures to the fields,
And, softly shaking on the dimpled pool,
Prelusive drops, let all their moisture flow
In large effusion, o'er the freshened world.
The Seasons: Spring. J. THOMSON.
A step,
A single step, that freed me from the skirts
Of the blind vapor, opened to my view
Glory beyond all glory ever seen
By waking sense or by the dreaming soul!
The appearance, instantaneously disclosed
Was of a mighty city,—boldly say
A wilderness of building, sinking far
And self-withdrawn into a boundless depth,
Far sinking into splendor,—without end!
Fabric it seemed of diamond and of gold,
With alabaster domes, and silver spires,
And blazing terrace upon terrace, high
Uplifted; here, serene pavilions bright,
In avenues disposed; there, towers begirt
With battlements that on their restless fronts
Bore stars,—illumination of all gems!
The Excursion, Bk. II. W. WORDSWORTH.
See yonder little cloud, that, borne aloft
So tenderly by the wind, floats fast away
Over the snowy peaks!
Christus: The Golden Legend. H.W. LONGFELLOW.
COMFORT.
Dear little head, that lies in calm content
Within the gracious hollow that God made
In every human shoulder, where He meant
Some tired head for comfort should be laid.
Song. C. THAXTER.
Men
Can counsel and speak comfort to that grief
Which they themselves not feel.
Much Ado About Nothing, Act v. Sc. 1. SHAKESPEARE.
"What is good for a bootless bene?"
With these dark words begins my tale;
And their meaning is, Whence can comfort spring
When Prayer is of no avail?
Force of Prayer. W. WORDSWORTH.
And He that doth the ravens feed,
Yea, providently caters for the sparrow,
Be comfort to my age!
As You, Like It, Act ii. Sc. 3. SHAKESPEARE.
Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing,
Hope, and comfort from above;
Let us each, thy peace possessing,
Triumph in redeeming love.
Benediction. R.S. HAWKER.