10 One word, ere yet the evening ends: Good-night! I'd say the griefs, the joys, The triumphs and defeats of boys, 20 I'd say your woes were not less keen, 5 ΙΟ As erst at twelve in corduroys, And if, in time of sacred youth, We learned at home to love and pray, 35 Pray heaven that early love and truth May never wholly pass away. And in the world, as in the school, 15 20 Or hunger hopeless at the gate. Who bade the mud from Dives' wheel To spurn the rags of Lazarus? Come, brother, in that dust we'll kneel, 55 Confessing heaven that ruled it thus. So each shall mourn, in life's advance, Dear hopes, dear friends, untimely killed, Shall grieve for many a forfeit chance, And longing passion unfulfilled. Amen! - whatever fate be sent, Pray God the heart may kindly glow, Although the head with cares be bent, And whitened with the winter snow. 60 But O blithe breeze; and O great seas, Though ne'er, that earliest parting past, On your wide plain they join again, Together lead them home at last. One port, methought, alike they sought, 25 A gentleman, or old or young! (Bear kindly with my humble lays;) The sacred chorus first was sung Upon the first of Christmas days; The shepherds heard it overhead The joyful angels raised it then: Glory to heaven on high, it said, (1849) 75 WHITHER DEPART THE BRAVE My song, save this, is little worth; I lay the weary pen aside, And peace on earth to gentle men! As fits the holy Christmas birth, And wish you health, and love, and mirth, As fits the solemn Christmas-tide. Be this, good friends, our carol still: Be peace on earth, be peace on earth, To men of gentle will. (1848) ARTHUR HUGH CLOUGH QUA CURSUM VENTUS As ships, becalmed at eve, that lay Are scarce long leagues apart descried; To say we truly feel the pain, Believe, and say we ne'er believed That keeps us still alive. (1869) 10 15 20 Her rounded form was lean, And her silk was bombazine; Well I wot 35 40 45 |