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Yet, not for ourselves would we draw from the soil 

 The beauty that Heaven in its vitals has hidden ; 

 For, thus to lock up the fair fruits of our toil. 



Were bliss half-possessed, and a sin all-forbidden. 

 Like morning's first ray, 

 When it spreads into day, 

 Our hearts must flow out, until self fades away. 

 Our joys in the bosoms around us, when sown. 

 Like seeds, will spring up, and bloom out for our own. 



And this makes the world but a garden, to us, 



Where He, who has walled it, his glory is shedding. 

 His smile lays the tints ; and, beholding it thus, 

 We gratefully feast while his bounty is spreading. 

 Our spirits grow bright, 

 As they bathe in the light 

 That pours round the board where, in joy, we unite. 

 While the sparks that we take to enkindle our mirth 

 Are the gems which the skies sprinkle down o'er the earth ! 



And, now, that we meet, and the chain is of flowers. 



Which bind us together, may sadness ne'er blight them. 

 Till those who tnust break fiom a compact like ours, 

 Ascend, and the ties of the blest reunite, them ! 

 May each who is here, 

 At the banquet appear, 

 Where Life fills the wine-cup, and Love makes it clear, 

 ThenJGilead's balm in its freshness will flow. 

 O'er the wounds which i\iQ pruning-knife gave us below! 



