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74

THE SMITTEN ROCK.

Out of the smitten rock on Horeb grey
Bursts a white waterfall, glad signal waving,
Then glides a river down the valley, laving
The lips and limbs of myriads on its way.
For us a Rock was smitten, to allay
With living water our immortal craving,
And with its ceaseless current pure and saving,
To wash our sin-stained souls from day to day.
May I behold that stream beside me flowing,
As through the desert stray my pilgrim feet,
With pleasant flowers upon its borders growing,
And from its peaceful waves a whisper sweet;
While to the Rock once riven for me I raise
The faint beginnings of eternal praise.