272
CHILDHOOD.
Yet I would not therefore sever
My spirit from the light,
But strive to widen ever
Its circle of delight;
For all things from it taken,
And all it seeks in vain,
Together prest and shaken
Shall fill it yet again;
For each dim and shadowy token,
Each hint to childhood given,
Each promise Earth hath broken
Shall yet be kept in Heaven,
When joy and peace long-parted
Meet in an endless kiss,
And perfect Love is joined at last
To pure and perfect bliss!
For the great and gracious Giver,
Till He spread both hands to bless
The cup that ever floweth o'er,
And never holdeth less,
With the blessing without sorrow,
With the long and perfect Day
Of light, that hath no morrow
To take its joy away,
Lets not the heaped-up measure
Within the bosom fall;
Keeps back its richest treasure
Until He gives it all!
My spirit from the light,
But strive to widen ever
Its circle of delight;
For all things from it taken,
And all it seeks in vain,
Together prest and shaken
Shall fill it yet again;
For each dim and shadowy token,
Each hint to childhood given,
Each promise Earth hath broken
Shall yet be kept in Heaven,
When joy and peace long-parted
Meet in an endless kiss,
And perfect Love is joined at last
To pure and perfect bliss!
For the great and gracious Giver,
Till He spread both hands to bless
The cup that ever floweth o'er,
And never holdeth less,
With the blessing without sorrow,
With the long and perfect Day
Of light, that hath no morrow
To take its joy away,
Lets not the heaped-up measure
Within the bosom fall;
Keeps back its richest treasure
Until He gives it all!
