36 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



To eat his joyless bread lonely the ground, 



Both seat and board, screen'd from the winter's eold 



And summer's heat by neighbouring hedge or tree ; 



But, on this day, embosom'd in his home, 



He shares the frugal meals with those he loves. 



With those he loves, he shares the heartfelt joy 



Of giving thanks to God not thanks of form, 



A word and a grimace ; but reverently, 



With cover'd face and upward earnest eye ! 



Hail, Sabbath, thee I hail ! the poor man's day ; 

 The pale mechanic now has leave to breathe 

 The morning air, pure from the city's smoke. 

 While wandering slowly up the river side, 

 He meditates on Him whose power he marks 

 In each green tree, that proudly spreads the bough 

 As in the tiny dew-bent flowers that bloom 

 Around its roots and while he thus surveys 

 With elevated joy each rural charm, 

 He hopes, yet fears presumption in his hope, 

 That Heav'n may be one Sabbath without end !" 



