YELLOW GOAT's-BEARD. 63 



Or as the dajspring's bright and gladsome beam, 



Chasing the darkness that doth man appal ; 

 When those who walk'd in doubt, beheld the ray 

 Of heavenly truth, flash on their wilder'd way. 



Where now those channels for the Spirit's might. 



Whose living waters erst were seen to flow ; 

 Those piercing beams of pure celestial light, 



Now choked with weeds — now dim and burnina: 

 low ? 

 The early rain hath ceased, and scant dew 



Falls on the grass ; all herbs and pleasant flowers 

 Yield faint perfume ; yet soon shall bloom anew 



This faded world ; for the swift-footed hours 

 Are whirling on a shatter'd world to meet 



That glorious king, whose coming is at hand. 

 Who soon again shall tread with willing feet 



The heights of Zion, with His waiting band 

 Of ransom'd ones ; first-fruits of those who sleep. 

 Waking to highest life, while thousands wake 

 to weep. 



