NOT ALL ALONE.

Not all alone; for thou canst hold Communion sweet with saint and sage; And gather gems, of price untold, From many a consecrated page: Youth's dreams, the golden lights of age, The poet's lore, are still thine own; Then, while such themes thy thoughts engage, Oh, how canst thou be all alone? Not all alone; the lark's rich note, As mounting up to heaven, she sings; The thousand silvery sounds that float Above, below, on morning's wings; The softer murmurs twilight brings— The cricket's chirp, cicada's glee; All earth, that lyre of myriad strings, Is jubilant with life for thee! Not all alone; the whispering trees, The rippling brook, the starry sky, Have each peculiar harmonies To soothe, subdue, and sanctify: The low, sweet breath of evening's sigh, For thee hath oft a friendly tone, To lift thy grateful thoughts on high, And say—thou art not all alone! Not all alone; a watchful Eye, That notes the wandering sparrow's fall, A saving Hand is ever nigh, A gracious Power attends thy call— When sadness holds the heart in thrall, Oft is His tenderest mercy shown; Seek, then, the balm vouchsafed to all, And thou canst never be alone!