THE HIGHEST AIM OF NATURE STUDY. 131 



" Fast to the slippery precipice 



I see the nodding harebell cling : 

 In that blue eye no fear there is ; 



Its hold is firm, the frail, free thing ! 

 The harebell's Guardian cares for me : 

 So I am in safe company. 



" The woodbine clambers up the cliff, 

 And seems to murmur, ' Little Grace, 



The sunshine were less welcome if 

 It brought not every day your face.' 



Red leaves slip down from maples high, 



And touch my cheek as they flit by. 



" I feel at home with everything 



That has its dwelling in the wood ; 

 With flowers that laugh, and birds that sing ; 



Companions beautiful and good, 

 Brothers and sisters everywhere ; 

 And over all, our Father's care. 



" In rose-time or in berry-time, 

 When ripe seeds fall or buds peep out, 



While green the turf or white the rime, 

 There's something to be glad about: 



It makes my heart bound just to pass 



The sunbeams dancing on the grass. 



" And when the bare rocks shut me in 

 Where not a blade of grass will grow, 



My happy fancies soon begin 

 To warble music, rich and low, 



And paint what eyes could never see : 



My thoughts are company for me. 



" What does it mean to be alone ? 



And how is any one afraid. 

 Who feels the dear God on His throne, 



Sending His sunshine through the shade, 



