University of Virginia Library


19

VOCATION.

For this, for this was I foreseen,
For this was born and made,
To make a home mid leaves green
All in a tender shade,
To build a home both warm and kind
Amid the sad world's dearth.
God had the children in His mind
The hour He gave me birth.
For this He tempered wind and storm,
Kept me in heat and chill,
To build a house both bright and warm
Against the powers of ill.
To build a house on a clear height,
Nor see its light grow dim,
That draws the children home by night
And keeps a thought of Him.

20

I set a light on a high hill
And from their heavenly place
The children's angels, grave and still,
They say: God give you grace!
For this, for this was I fashioned,
To give them back again,
Someday—come kiss me, Golden-Head!—
Without a speck or stain.
I am the servant of the Lord.
If one day He should tell:
Now name thine own fee and reward
Who kept My trust so well.
Lord: I would say: Thou hast repaid
Yea more than seven times seven,
Who in a home in a green shade
Made me the children's heaven.