HYMNS FOR CHILDHOOD.
51
But oh! that patriarch's aspect shone
With something lovelier far,
A radiance all the spirit's own,
Caught not from sun or star.
Some word of life e'en then had met
His calm, benignant eye,
Some ancient promise, breathing yet
Of Immortality:
Some Martyr's prayer, wherein the glow
Of quenchless faith survives:
For every feature said—"I know
"That my Redeemer lives!"
And silent stood his children by,
Hushing their very breath,
Before the solemn sanctity
Of thoughts o'ersweeping death.
