332 MISCELLANEOUS. 



"Well uttered was that heaven-made hymn, 

 Sung first to hail our Saviour's birth, — 

 That so, the peoples of the earth 



Might join in praise the Seraphim. 



From ocean -deeps, lo ! pure and meek, 

 As washed from earthly soil or taints, 

 The words meet those of quiring saints : 



Angels and men one language speak ! 



! far- off- echoing song of praise, 



That swelled through Heaven's unpillared dome,. 



For joy that Christ made earth his home 

 To teach upon the world's highways ; 



And sung once more full joyously, 

 For that the foremost nations two — 

 Who lead the Old World and the New- 

 Clasp earnest hands across the sea ! 



The strain from angel-harps began 



When Heaven and Earth were linked in one ; 

 And we prolong it, as the Sun 



Sees world join world, and man join man. 



V. 



Meseems, the Atlantic's heaving floor 

 Shrinks to a narrow, span-breadth water ; 

 Glad England greets her long-lost daughter, 



And they shall sunder — never more ! 



you ! ye twain of kindred blood, 

 Whom Science' hand has drawn so near. 

 That each into the other's ear 



Can whisper o'er the mediate flood ; — 



Ye twain of common kith and blood. 

 By Thought, no less, together bound, 

 Guide through long ages circling round 



The following nations on to God ! 



Apostles of the Old and New ! 

 In actions preach the Word of Life : — 

 With robes unstained by sordid strife, 



Prove ye to your " high calling " true. 



