240 RECOMPENSE.
��BECOMPENSE.
��One law, among all wondrous laws, For us the great Creator made,
Linked closely with effect and cause ; Bold contrast — light and shade.
��■»■
��Deep in its mystical reserve
Explores the artist, wrapt in strange Excitement, as with trembling nerve
The brush is working change.
Deeper, and with a ruling touch. Sublime in each conception, paints
Dame Nature, rearing contrasts, such As harmonize with saints.
Extending on to ev'ry soul,
By it God speaks : " Drink ye who thirst. While onward pressing to the goal —
" The last shall enter first."
Emerging from the deepening night Into the brightness of mid-day,
To that vain-longing, clouded sight, Intense would glow each ray.
Crusts to the famishing beggar-child As sweetmeats to the favored are ;
To sharpened taste unreconciled, Those sweets, how sweeter far !
We, who could always lightly trip O'er the bright greensward of our youth.
Guessed not our crippled mate could sip Joys greater ; yet 'twas truth.
So martyrs in life's tangled way, Deep sunk in secret darkness, will
With eyes re-opened in that day See beauties greater still!
— Boreas.
�� �
