The lotus, that Egyptian mystery, 

 Whose florvers have a soul in every leaf. 



MOORE. 



A CLOUD came darkening up the West, 

 ** And as its awesome pall drew near, 

 It hushed the home with vague unrest, 

 And filled my heart with nameless fear. 



I heard a rustle as of wings, 



And turning, saw Death s angel fill 



The room. Then froze life s very springs 

 Within me, and my heart stood still. 



The dreadful presence, in the gloom, 



Bent o er my love, smiled, and went by; 



When from the stillness of the room 

 There faintly came a little cry. 



And lo! from heaven an angel throng, 

 As on that old-time Christmas morn, 



Took up anew their happy song, 

 &quot; For unto vou a child is born.&quot; 





