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THE HERMIT THRUSH. 



The Pine Plains darkled, 



The river sparkled, 

 Kearsarge soared purple dim; 



From hazel bush 



A hermit thrush 

 Poured forth his evening hymn. 

 "O, souls in prison pent, 



Follow the way He went! 

 Ye shall be free— be free! 



Lift up your fearful eyes! 



Love rules beyond the skies. 

 Blessed forever be!" 



The pine trees solemn, 



Column on column, 

 Upheld the rose-flecked blue. 



0, bird that pain dispels, 



Again chime thy silver bells, 

 Angel and poet true! 



The sunset's crimson 



Dissolves and dims on 

 The mount turned amethyst. 



Falls then a holy hush; 



List now the spirit thrush! 

 E'en Heaven's gate those strains cannot resist! 



"Let not your heart despair; 



Comfort comes everywhere. 

 Mercy will stay. 



Peace to the burden-bearers! 



They shall be treasure-sharers. 

 Earth fades today; Heaven lasts alway!" 

 December 17, 1901. 



