Should kings as vassals attend thy nod, Thou must die, and thy spirit return to God; And how worthless are sceptres and thrones of power To a monarch's soul in his dying hour. Say, what is thy hope? Dost thou pursue With the phantom of happiness ever in view, She poisons, debases and ruins the soul. But what is thy hope? Dost thou pant to find Thou never canst purchase peace of mind, It procures no exemption from worldly woe, Yet what is thy hope? Is it that which leads To win for themselves by heroic deeds The fleeting applause of earth? Thou may'st couple thy name with high renown, And men yet unborn may applaud the tale : When thy form shall be mould'ring amongst the dead, And thy soul to the last great audit fled? Then what is thy hope? Consider how high Is thy destiny, think on the worth Of a soul that is born for eternity, Though it sojourn awhile upon earth. Oh! why are the views of immortals confin'd And vainly seek for substantial good In a world of unceasing vicissitude? What is thy hope? Will it stand the test Of nature's expiring hour? Like armour of proof will it shield thy breast Will it gladden thy soul and dispel the gloom, But hope thou in God! To a dying hour When worldly preferments and wealth and power Aye, hope thou in God, though a feeble worm: S. S. C. NEWPORT, R. I. THE PASSING BELL.* THERE'S solemn warning in thy voice, That on a thousand reckless ears Thou tell'st life's pilgrimage is o'er Whose struggling soul hath pass'd away With yonder sun. There is a sound of woe and wail In thy deep tone, Fond hopes o'erthrown. * In many parts of our country, it is the practice to toll the bell of the church, either on the death or at the funeral of those who die. Oh now how many tender ties, In sacred ligaments of love, How many now in bitterness Of anguish weep, Echoing back thy notes with sobs 'Not loud, but deep!' There is a warning in thy voice Solemn indeed, When for their souls with dying men Awful, yet plaintively, to me Comes thy deep toll, As if the parted spirit's voice "Mortals!" it cries, "life's chequered scenes |