Page:Home; or, The unlost paradise (IA homeorunlostpara00palm).pdf/46

Rising like incense, from their tuneful lips
And hearts o'erflowing, rose their hymn of praise
With fervent orisons to listening Heaven,
Whither no voice of love ascends in vain.

  Is then the goal attained? Is this retreat—
The dream of many a year at last fulfilled—
A bower of ease, in which, with lotus charm,
The past may be forgot; the future, veiled
In golden haze, be all unquestioned left,
And purpose high in pleasure's cup be drowned?
No! In the blissful shades where primal man
Walked innocent with God, 'twas given to dress
And keep the garden—toil no natural ill.
For use, O mortal, God thy powers hath given,
And made their use a joy. In labors meet,
Pursued for virtue's ends, in good achieved
And triumphs won by sacrifice, by love
Enlarged and with all generous yearnings filled,
Thou shalt such pleasures find as most exalt
Thy being and thy restless soul compose.