LOSS OF THE ROYAL GEORGE. Then turn to Him, 'mid sorrows wild, 55 THE LOSS OF THE ROYAL GEORGE. TOLL for the brave! The brave that are no more! All sunk beneath the wave, Fast by their native shore! Eight hundred of the brave, Had made the vessel heel, And laid her on her side. A land-breeze shook the shrouds, Toll for the brave! Brave Kempenfelt is gone; It was not in the battle; No tempest gave the shock; His sword was in its sheath, Weigh the vessel up, Once dreaded by our foes! And mingle with our cup The tear that England owes. Her timbers yet are sound; And she may float again, Full charged with England's thunder, And plow the distant main. But Kempenfelt is gone; His victories are o'er; And he and his eight hundred Shall plow the wave no more. COWPER. NOW. LIKE mist on the mountain, Of our pilgrimage flee. Dear children, to-day How sweet are the flowerets Yet often the frost Makes them wither away. Like flowers you may fade! Are you ready to die? While "yet there is room," To the Saviour fly! When Samuel was young, And slept in His smile, So most of God's children Do you ask me for pleasure? 'Tis pleasant to die!" R. M'CHEYNE. LITTLE BY LITTLE. "LITTLE by little,” an acorn said,— LITTLE BY LITTLE. Day after day, and year after year, 59 And the slender branches spread far and wide, Till the mighty oak is the forest's pride. Far down in the depths of the dark blue sea, Grain by grain they are building well, "Little by little," said a thoughtful boy, "Moment by moment, I'll well employ, Learning a little every day, And not spending all my time in play. |