When I shall voice aloud, how good He is, how great should be; Enlarged winds that curl the flood, Know no such liberty. Stone walls do not a prison make, If I have freedom in my love, Enjoy such liberty. CVI. ANDREW MARVELL, 1620-1678. BERMUDAS. HERE the remote Bermudas ride, WHE In the ocean's bosom unespyed; What should we do but sing his praise, Where he the huge sea-monsters wracks That lift the deep upon their backs. He lands us on a grassy stage, Safe from the storms, and prelate's rage. He gave us this eternal spring, And sends the fowls to us in care, On daily visits through the air. He hangs in shades the orange bright, Jewels more rich than Ormus shows. But apples plants of such a price, Thus sung they, in the English boat, An holy and a cheerful note; And all the way, to guide their chime, With falling oars they kept the time. HENRY VAUGHAN, 1621-1695. CVII. HA THE RETREAT. APPY those early days, when I Before I understood this place Before I taught my tongue to wound My conscience with a sinful sound, Or had the black art to dispense A several sin to every sense, Bright shoots of everlastingness. O how I long to travel back, And tread again that ancient track! That I might once more reach that plain, But ah! my soul with too much stay Some men a forward motion love, CVIII. M' PEACE. Y soul, there is a country Where stands a winged sentry All skilful in the wars; There, above noise and danger, Sweet Peace sits crowned with smiles, And One born in a manger Commands the beauteous files. He is thy gracious friend And, O my soul awake! |