. . .this prayer I make, Knowing that Nature never did betray The heart that loved her; 't is her privilege, Through all the years of this our life, to lead From joy to joy: for she can so inform The mind that is within us, so impress With quietness and beauty, and so feed With lofty thoughts, that neither evil tongues, Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men, Nor greetings where no kindness is, nor all The dreary intercourse of daily life, Shall e'er prevail against us, or disturb Our cheerful faith, that all which we behold Is full of blessings.

The harvest of a quiet eye, That broods and sleeps on his own heart.

We bow our heads before Thee, and we laud, And magnify thy name Almighty God! But man is thy most awful instrument, In working out a pure intent.

Pleasure is spread through the earth In stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.

A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard... Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides.

And homeless near a thousand homes I stood, And near a thousand tables pined and wanted food.

Hearing often-times the still, sad music of humanity, nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power to chasten and subdue.