V. GOD IN NATURE a. IMMANENCE IN NATURE IN GENERAL HORA CHRISTI ALICE BROWN Sweet is the time for joyous folk O lonesome road, beset with dread, I have no light save in the east, In cloistered aisles they keep today With pomp of banner, pride of song, And stately sounding word. Mute stand the kings of power and place, I know a spot where budless twigs And where sweet winter-loving birds There, with the sun for altar-fire, The earth for kneeling-place, The gentle air for chorister, Will I adore Thy face. Lord, underneath the great blue sky, My heart shall pean sing, The gold and myrrh of meekest love Bliss of Thy birth shall quicken me, REVELATION ALICE BROWN From The Road to Castaly Down in the meadow, sprent with dew DISGUISES THOMAS EDWARD BROWN High stretched upon the swinging yard, But it is hard And stiff, and one cries haste. Then He that is most dear in my regard Of all the crew gives aidance meet; A glory spreads wherewith the night is starred: Moreover of a cup most bitter-sweet With fragrance as of nard, And myrrh, and cassia spiced, He proffers me to taste. Then I to Him:-'Art Thou the Christ?' He saith-Thou say'st.' Like to an ox That staggers 'neath the mortal blow, She grinds upon the rocks: Then straight and low Leaps forth the levelled line, and in our quarter locks. The cradle's rigged; with swerving of the blast 'Who fired that shot?' Each silent stands Ah, sweet perplexity! This too was He. I have an arbour wherein came a toad Most hideous to see Immediate, seizing staff or goad, I smote it cruelly. Then all the place with subtle radiance glowed- Song from PIPPA PASSES ROBERT BROWNING The year's at the spring All's right with the world. |