WILLIAM D. GALLAGHER.
* * * * *
A TRUE LENT.
Is this a fast,--to keep
The larder lean,
And clean
From fat of veals and sheep?
Is it to quit the dish
Of flesh, yet still
To fill
The platter high with fish?
Is it to fast an hour.
Or ragg'd to go,
Or show
A downcast look, and sour?
No! 't is a fast to dole
Thy sheaf of wheat,
And meat,
Unto the hungry soul.
It is to fast from strife,
From old debate
And hate,--
To circumcise thy life.
To show a heart grief-rent;
To starve thy sin,
Not bin,--
And that's to keep thy Lent.
ROBERT HERRICK.
* * * * *
FROM "THE CHURCH PORCH."
Thou whose sweet youth and early hopes enhance
Thy rate and price, and mark thee for a treasure.
Hearken unto a Verser, who may chance
Rhyme thee to good, and make a bait of pleasure:
A verse may find him who a sermon flies
And turn delight into a sacrifice.
When thou dost purpose aught (within thy power),
Be sure to doe it, though it be but small;
Constancie knits the bones, and make us stowre,
When wanton pleasures beckon us to thrall.
Who breaks his own bond, forfeiteth himself:
What nature made a ship, he makes a shelf.
* * * * *
By all means use sometimes to be alone.
Pages:
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234