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FOREST MELODIES. |
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I should have reverenced at once that form Had I not heard his name; but when I knew He was the one who gave up home, and friends, And country, at the blessed Saviour's call, I more than reverenced! A sacredness Seem'd to pervade the atmosphere he breathed. I thought how oft my country doth award The meed of glory to her favour'd sons, And call them noble who have only been Amid the carnage of the battle field, Struggling for fame.
Of how much greater worth, Think ye, are those great motives, pure and high, Which dwelt within this aged champion's breast ? Was it the love of gold ? or, was it aught That dwells within the narrow, selfish mind, Which made him waste the vigour of his strength In an unhealthy climate ? Wherefore ask ? The wicked may find something here too deep For them to fathom.
0 ! ye great and good, Men may not rightly prize your actions here ; But wait in patient trust! Time speedeth on, Bringing that moment nearer, when the scroll Before assembled worlds shall be outspread, And ye receive from heaven's acknowledged King Your just deserts. |
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