1 88 THE GLORY OF THE GARDEN 



Then Summer with roses and happy face; 



Then Autumn in many-tinted grace. 

 Last came Winter riding by 



On a snow-flaked horse, with a whistling cry. 

 And when the trees saw him go past, 



And felt the icy, chilling blast. 

 They shivered, and then they seemed to say 



To their loving Creator, ' Must we stay ?' 

 And He smiled lovingly, and said, 



' In Winter you all shall sleep instead.' 

 But the Pine trees listening heard Him sigh, 



And looked at each other, wondering why. 

 And asked Him, ' Master, do you sleep, too. 



All the cold, long winter through ?' 

 He answered, ' I never slumber, nor sleep, 



I ever a vigilant watch must keep.' 

 ' May we,' they whispered, ' watch with you ?' 



' Yes,' He said, ' if your love is true. 

 For the cost is great, you can never be seen 



In a fresh and gay Spring dress of green; 

 The darkest armour you must wear, 



In Winter storm or Summer glare.' 

 * Gladly,' they cried, ' we'll give up all 



That we may be sentinels at your call.' 



" And because of the sacrifice they have made. 

 These trees, so strong and unafraid, 



They have learnt the secret of the sea. 

 And can sing its song to you and me, 



The song of Perfect Peace through pain, 

 Which only Jesus can explain." 



