Lines
Written By Theodulphus, Bishop Of Orleans,
A.D. 820, In A Copy Of The Holy Scriptures,
Transcribed By His Own Hand.
Light of God's law! divesting earth of gloom,
More white than snows, more bright than starry skies,
Beneath whose radiance good and virtue bloom—
From whom all error flies.
Blest word of God! gift of that wisdom, whence
Springs life and light! what worth exceeds thy worth?
Word that excels all words in sound and sense
As heaven excels the earth.
Whate'er of wonders human arts have taught
Have here their fountain—hence derive their force;
Of all the grand achievements of man's thought
Here wells the living source.
By day, by night here meditate, here school
To holiness thy hands, and lips, and soul:
Thou rulest others—be this book the rule
That shall thyself control.
This sharer of thy couch—joy of thine eyes,
Clasped in thy arms and on thy knees shall rest;
Thy watcher when soft slumber on thee lies—
Thy earliest morning guest.
Be not for knowledge only thy desire;
In virtue's presence learning's light is dim:
Deeds and not words the Almighty will require—
Yet offer both to him.
By ceaseless study learn, by actions teach,
Untiring seek for Wisdom's pathway here.
This meditate, a light thy heart will reach,
And make all fair and clear.
Who walks a tangled forest's briery way
By frequent treading makes it broad and plain.
And what the quick mind wins from day to day,
Slow study doth retain.
C. E. B.
From The French Of Erckmann And Chatrian.
The Invasion; Or, Yegof The Fool.
Chapter XXI.
Jerome of Saint-Quirin had made good his retreat upon the farm-house.
"Who goes there?" cried the sentries, as the party approached.
"People of the village of Charmes," replied Marc-Dives in his voice of thunder.
They were recognized and allowed to pass.