The German Matchman's Song. HARK ye, neighbors, and hear me tell— Human watch from harm can't ward us- Give us all a blessed night! Hark ye, neighbors, and hear me tell- Eleven apostles of holy mind Taught the Gospel to mankind. Human watch, &c. Hark ye, neighbors, and hear me tell- Twelve disciples to Jesus came, Who suffered rebuke for their Saviour's name. Human watch, &c. THE GERMAN WATCHMAN'S SONG. 203 Hark ye, neighbors, and hear me tell One has struck on the belfry bell! One God above is Lord indeed, Who is our strength in time of need. Hark ye, neighbors, and hear me tell- Hark ye, neighbors, and hear me tell— Human watch from harm can't ward us- Give us all a blessed night! The Child of Earth. FAINTER her slow step falls from day to day; Death's hand is heavy on her darkening brow: Yet doth she fondly cling to earth, and say, "I am content to die-but O, not now!— Not while the blossoms of the joyous spring Make the warm air such luxury to breathe; Not while the birds such lays of gladness sing; Not while the bright flowers round my footsteps wreathe. Spare me, great God! lift up my drooping brow— I am content to die-but O, not now!" The Spring hath ripened into summer-time; With silent steps, the Lord of light moves on; For, while the murmur of the mountain bee Greets my dull ear with music in its tone, Pale sickness dims my eye and clouds my brow-I am content to die-but O, not now!" THE CHILD OF EARTH. 205 Summer is gone; and Autumn's sober hues Tint the ripe fruits, and gild the waving corn; The huntsman swift the flying game pursues, Shouts the halloo, and winds his eager horn. "Spare me awhile to wander forth and gaze On the broad meadows and the quiet stream; To watch in silence while the evening rays Slant through the fading trees with ruby gleam! Cooler the breezes play around my browI am content to die-but O, not now!" The bleak wind whistles; snow-showers, far and near, Drift without echo to the whitening ground: Autumn hath pass'd away, and cold and drear Winter stalks on with frozen mantle bound; Yet still that prayer ascends. "O! laughingly My little brothers round the warm hearth crowd; Our home-fire blazes broad, and bright, and high, And the roof rings with voices light and loud— Spare me awhile! raise up my drooping brow! I am content to die-but O, not now!" The Spring has come again-the joyful Spring. Again the banks with clustering flowers are spread; The wild bird dips upon its wanton wing; Beaming all redly through the lattice-pane; The steps of friends thy slumbers may not break, Nor fond, familiar voice arouse again. Death's silent shadow vails thy darken'd brow; Why didst thou linger?-thou art happier now. |