COLD OLD is the winter day, misty and dark: The trees their mournful branches lift aloft : No birds sing, but the starling chaps his bill Answer with plaintive cry their bleating dams. Their voices melt in welcome dreams of spring, And God the Maker doth my heart grow bold ROBERT BRIDGES SUR LOVE URELY one star above all stars shall brighten, One revelation through all years enlighten Steps of bewilderment and eyes afraid. Love was believing--and the best was truest; Love would hope ever-and the trust was gain; Love that endured shall learn that Thou renewest Love, even thine, O Master! with Thy pain. F. W. H. MYERS THE HEART OF A MOTHER γου were so far away, Beyond all help from me; And so, when skies were grey, And clouds lowered threateningly, And the wailing storm-wind blew, My heart went out to you. I always felt afraid You were out in the stormy weather, The rain on your bonny head, The wind and the rain together: Ah me! I never knew What harm might come to you. So many pains there are, And perils by land and sea; And it might be even then My fears were unavailing, You are so safe for aye- On death's wide sea one day : I follow with wet eyes Nor would that you were back: Oh, is the new land fair And hills of marvellous hue, Oh, is it a pleasant country And little children playing On a green and golden mead, Oh, safe for evermore, With never a weird to dree: When one's beloved goes free? You are so far away, And yet have come so near; On many a heavy day I think of you, my dear, Safe in your shelter there, Christ's hand upon your hair. KATHARINE TYNAN-HINKSON |