The Lilies of the Field.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XV, 14 April 1900, Page 697

The Lilies of the Field.

John Keble.

(By

Sweet nurslings of the autumn sky, Bathed in soft airs, and fed with dew, What more than magic in you lies, To fill the heart’s fond view? In childhood's sports, companions gay. In sorrow, on Life's downward way, How soothing! in our last decay Memorials prompt and true. Belies ye are of Eden’s bowers, As pure, as fragrant, and as fair, As when ye crowned the sunshine hours Of happy wanderers there. Fall’n all beside—the world of life. How is it stained with fear and strife! In Reason's world what storms are rife, What passions range and glare! But cheerful and unchanged the while Your first and perfect form ye show. The same that won Eve’s matron smile In the world's opening glow. The stars of heaven a. course are taught 'Poo high above our human thought; Ye may be found if ye are sought, And as we gaze, we know

Ye dwell besides our paths and homes. Our paths of sin. our homes of sorrow. And guilty man. where'er he roams. Your innocent mirth may Imhtow. The birds -u-f air before ns tleet, They cannot brook our sthaine to meet But we may taste your solace sweet And come again to-morrow. Ye fearless in your nests abide Nor may we scorn, t: o proudly wise. Your silent lessons, undescried By all but lowly eyes-: For ye could draw th’ admiring gaze Of Him who worlds and hearts sur Your order wild, your fragrant maze. He taught us how to prize. Ye felt your Maker's smile that hour. As when He paused and owned you good; His blessing on earth's primal bower. Ye felt it all renewed. What care ye now. if winter's storm Sweep ruthless o'er each silken form? Christ's blessing at your heart is warm , Ye fear no vexing mood. Alas! of thousand bosoms kind. 'That daily court you and caress. How few the happy secret find Of your calm loveliness! “Live for to-day! to-morrow's light To-morrow's cares shall bring to sight, th sleep like closing flowers at night. And heaven thy morn will bless."