 | Poems |  |
TO THE “SALT” OF ****
STROPHE.
Now “salt is good”—the Bible tells us so,And all its saving qualities may know.
But there is salt that toucheth not our food—
Preserves as well, is equally as good.
Without it poor society would rot,
Peace be a name and order but a blot!
He “who in heaven bore the second name”
Knew of this salt, and did address the same
When he on earth with blessed errand came.
Likewise ye are salt of saving flavor,
And there is salt that hath “lost its savor”!
What better purpose can we put it to
Than “tread it out,” and that with iron shoe?
ANTISTROPHE.
Ye who have kept 'midst error's sway
The “even tenor of your way,”
Nor gone wild-groping and astray!
The “even tenor of your way,”
Nor gone wild-groping and astray!
Ye who have heard the frenzied cry
Of men in zealous agony,
And meekly raised the prayerful eye!
Of men in zealous agony,
And meekly raised the prayerful eye!
Whose conduct hath reminded me
Of Publican and Pharisee—
From all vain-glory ever free!
Of Publican and Pharisee—
From all vain-glory ever free!
125
Who love to soothe the bed of pain,
Whose charity is never vain,
Who lend not to receive again!
Whose charity is never vain,
Who lend not to receive again!
Who “search the Scriptures” for reward,
And lean on Heaven for a guard—
Receive this tribute of a bard!
And lean on Heaven for a guard—
Receive this tribute of a bard!
EPODE.
And thus he prays: “Time-honored” may you beWithout dim vision, or the tottering knee;
May all your wheels of life move gently on,
And cease themselves to move, the journey done;
May conscience never chide you for a fault,
Nor envy near her venomed head exalt;
May all who wish your peaceful comfort mar'd
From that same comfort find themselves debar'd;
May all the darkling passions of the breast
At your indignant glance be put to rest—
Hatred and malice, every slanderous lie,
Disunion, discord, and hypocrisy,
Be banished far as day impels the night,
And buried low forever from your sight.
Moreover, I would add yet this reflection—
In a deep grave, without a resurection!
| Poems | |