The Poetical Works of Walter C. Smith :: :: University of Virginia Library

The Poetical Works of Walter C. Smith

... Revised by the Author: Coll. ed.

Smith, Walter C. (1824-1908)

THE BISHOP'S WALK AND THE BISHOP'S TIMES

THOUGHTS AND FANCIES FOR SUNDAY EVENINGS

A HERETIC AND OTHER POEMS

BALLADS FROM SCOTTISH HISTORY

FUGITIVE PIECES

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[Higher still, and higher!]

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”— Col. iii. 1.

Higher still, and higher!
Oh to leave the clouds below,
And the creeping mists that throw
Doubt on all the way we go
As we would aspire
Higher still, and higher!

Higher still, and higher!
Ah! how little way I make,
Plunging where the black bogs quake,
Slowly hewing through the brake
Tangled with old briar!—
Higher still, and higher!

Higher still, and higher!
Courage! look not down to see
How high thy footing now may be,
Upward set thy face where He
Calls thee to come nigher,
Higher still, and higher.

Higher still, and higher!
Lo! the sun is sinking fast,
And lengthening shades are round thee cast.
Let not thy heart fail at the last;
'Tis no time to tire—
Higher still, and higher!

Higher still, and higher!
Sweet the air is, pure and clear,
And the Lord is ever near
Yonder where the songs I hear
And the golden lyre—
Higher still, and higher.

498

Higher still, and higher!
What, if Death be standing right
In thy way, and dreadful night?
All beyond is life and light,
And thy soul's desire—
Higher still, and higher!