The bard of the dales or poems and miscellaneous pieces; with a life of the author, written by himself. By John Castillo |
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SIGNS OF THE TIMES. |
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 | The bard of the dales |  |
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SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Alas! alas! what mean these signs,
The Heavens do display,
Which puzzle some of our divines,
Observant day by day!
The Heavens do display,
Which puzzle some of our divines,
Observant day by day!
Why is it, in those lofty spheres,
The lamps do burn so dim?
Why is it, that with Heaven's tears,
Our earth is made to swim?
The lamps do burn so dim?
Why is it, that with Heaven's tears,
Our earth is made to swim?
Why is it, that yon orient sun,
Just glances on the spires,—
Darts on the hills a splendid beam,
And then again retires?
Just glances on the spires,—
Darts on the hills a splendid beam,
And then again retires?
What mean those days of misty gloom,
That cover hill and dale;
Why pass so many to the tomb,
Through Death's cold chilly vale?
That cover hill and dale;
Why pass so many to the tomb,
Through Death's cold chilly vale?
What mean those signs by sea and land,
The wise no more will ask:
But in them see their Father's hand,
And set about their task!
The wise no more will ask:
But in them see their Father's hand,
And set about their task!
Repent!—ye careless sons of men—
Repent!—and be forgiven,—
And “put on Christ,” then you may stem
The gathering wrath of Heaven!
Repent!—and be forgiven,—
And “put on Christ,” then you may stem
The gathering wrath of Heaven!
| The bard of the dales | |