Volume 4 — POEM.

While wandering by the mountains And musing by the streams, I asked myself if ever thus My life would pass in dreams. I gathered the little pebbles The waves threw on the sand: The rippling waters seemed to say, "There is a better land!" And while thus my steps were straying, Above, in azure far, I saw a beacon's streaming light— The glorious evening star! My soul, enraptured, then exclaimed: "Hail, beauteous star of even! Wilt thou, while speeding into dawn, Bring me the will of heaven?" I watched it in its onward course, Until its golden glow Was lost behind the western clouds. And left me wrapped in woe. I struggled hard to free my soul From brooding thoughts of care. Till morning broke, when, with the star, These words fell on the air: "No more let earthly passion move. Nor wearied hopes bemoan, A life that has a God to love, A heaven to call its own!" The star had kindled hope And raised my soul in prayer; The clouds that rolled between Foretold a life of care. I bowed my head, and humbly knelt, Submissive to his will. Who, when the waves were troubled most, Said, "Peace!" and all was still.