University of Virginia Library


143

SUNRISE IN THE FOREST.

Look out upon the draperies of the East,
Those glorious folds of crimson, and bright blue,
And splendid purple, edg'd and fring'd with gold,
Or border'd with bright silver. Seem they not
Like curtains at the window of high heaven,
Whose texture barely screens the glorious place,
From sacrilegious gaze; permitting floods
Of radiant light and beauty to stream forth
Upon the Great One's garden—this fair earth.
Lo! now, a minister of the Most High,
The dazzling sun, looks forth with joyous smile,
His eye is heavenward, with an ardent glow
Of adoration, while his loving smile
Gladdens this earth, which watches for its light
With all her myriad eyes.
Now gushes forth
From all the pure, and bright, and innocent,
A hymn of adoration unto Him
Who dwells within the veil.
At first, the birds
Awake in bush, and bower, and shady tree.
Shake their bright wings, erect their shining heads,
And pour in concert such enchanting songs.
Of mingled tones, and melting melodies,
All blending in one full rich swell of praise:
Ten thousand voices, from the hills and plains
Join in a low deep chorus. The clear springs

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Reflect the sun-smiles back to heaven again,
And pour a song of waters, which flows on
With never-ceasing music through all lands,
And joins the chorus of the shouting sea.
Each little dew-ey'd flower looks smiling up,
And bows in child-like worship. The green trees,
With voices in each leaf, bend and adore,
As the free winds pass by, wafting along
Incense from all the sweet, music from all
The innocent and joyful, and with wings
Of life and beauty, bearing them to Heaven
A holy and accepted offering.