 | Later Lays and Lyrics |  |
148
THINGS FLYING.
I.
Time is flying—fast the sandLeaves the hour-glass in his hand;
Where his feet have hurried by
Ashes, bones and ruins lie.
II.
Hope is flying—this her strain,While she seeks the open main,
“Where the waters foam and rage,
I can find no anchorage.”
III.
Ah! the star is fading fastThat burned bright above her mast,
And the midnight soon will veil
Her bright, disappearing sail.
IV.
Peace is flying—notes of war,Trumpet, drum, and cannon-jar
Have affrighted her from earth,
And she seeks her place of birth.
V.
Birds are flying—Autumn drearWhispers of old Winter near,
And they seek the golden strand
Of some flowery tropic land.
149
VI.
Leaves are flying, sere and pale,On the wild November gale;
Thus poor human glory flies,
Thus dissolve our earthly ties.
VII.
Youth is flying—and his voiceWill the heart no more rejoice;
On his bloom hath fallen blight,
Changing it to corpse-like white.
VIII.
Love is flying—woe and sinHave our Eden entered in;
Funeral dirge and tolling bell
Marred the song he sang so well.
IX.
Wealth is flying—let it fly!Trust in things that cannot die;
Coffins, destined for the mould,
Vainly we inlay with gold.
X.
Truth is flying—weary strifeHe hath waged with wrong for life;
Armed again for conflict stern,
Let us pray for his return!
XI.
Pray that God may give him powerIn the deadly trial-hour;
While the hosts of sin and error
At his war-cry flee in terror.
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