therefore, be not offended; I boast of no knowledge that I have not received. 9. "As the sands of the desert drink up the drops of rain, or the dew of the morning, so do I also, who am but dust, imbibe the instructions of the Prophet. Believe then that it is he who tells thee, all knowledge is profane which terminates in thyself; and by a life wasted in speculation, little even of this can be gained. When the gates of paradise are thrown open before thee, thy mind shall be irradiated' in a moment. Here thou canst do little more than pile error upon error: there, thou shalt build truth upon truth. Wait, therefore, for the glorious vision; and in the mean time emulate the eagle. 10. "Much is in thy power; and, therefore, much is expected of thee. Though the Almighty only can give virtue, yet, as a prince, thou mayst stimulate those to beneficence," who act from no higher motive than immediate interest; thou canst not produce the principle, but mayst enforce the practice. Let thy virtue be thus diffused; and if thou believest with reverence, thou shalt be accepted above. Farewell! May the smile of Him who resides in the heaven of heavens be upon thee; and against thy name, in the volume of His will, may happiness be written." 11. The king, whose doubts, like those of Mirza, were now removed, looked up with a smile that communicated the joy of his mind. He dismissed the prince to his government; and commanded these events to be recorded, to the end that posterity may know, "that no life is pleasing to God, but that which is useful to mankind." HAWKESWORTH. 117. ADDRESS TO THE DEity. 1 OD of my life, and Author of my days, Permit my feeble voice to lisp thy praise, And, trembling, take upon a mortal tongue That hallow'd name, to harps of seraphs' sung: 'Ir rå' di åt ed, made splendid; enlightened intellectually. Be nef'i cence, the practice of doing good; active goodness, kindness, or charity. Ser 'aphs, highest rank of angels. Yet here the brightest seraphs could no more 2. All nature faints beneath the mighty name, 6 And one vast object fills my aching sight. 3. But soon, alas! this holy calm is broke; My soul submits to wear her wonted' yoke; 5 Sphère, world; station or rank in life.-Sub side', settle down.— Im pêt' u ous, hasty; orcible. E mo' tions, feelings. Pageants (på'jents), splendid shows -- Infinite (in' fe nit), that which is without bounds' Wonted (wůnt' ed), accustomed; usual. —* In' cense, the odors of spices and gums burned in religious rites; acceptable prayers and praises. Sup' pli ant, one who asks a favor. From each terrestrial' bondage set me free; 6 If, friendless, in a vale of tears I stray, Where briers wound, and thorns perplex my way,— 'Ter res' tri al, belonging to the earth.- E lude', escape.-La' tent, hidden; concealed. Si' ren, a fabled goddess of the ancients who enticed men by singing, and devoured them; hence, an enticing woman.-Em bla' zoned, painted in bright colors.- Mys' tic, not easily understood; used as a sign. Secure within the temple of thinc arms, From anxious cares, from gloomy terrors free, 9. Then, when the last, the closing hour draws nigh, MRS. BARBAULD. 1. 118. THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER. FATHER of all! in every age, In every clime adored, By saint, by savage, and by sage, Jehovah, Jove, or Lord! 2. Thou great First Cause, least understood, To know but this, that thou art good, 3. Yět gave me, in this dark estate, 4. What conscience' dictates to be done, This' teach me more than hell to shun, 5 1 Om nip' o tent, all-powerful. -2 Re cèdes', departs; goes back.Trån' si to ry, passing away soon.—a Conscience (kỏn' shens), the fac ulty within us which judges of our conduct with regard to some standard of right or wrong. When this or that are thus used, this means the latter thing spoken of, and that, the former. In this stanza, this means "What conscience warns me not to do;" that, what "Conscience dictates to be done." 5. What blessings thy free bounty gives, Let me not cast away; For God is paid when man receives, — 6. Yet not to earth's contracted span When thousand worlds are round. 7. Let not this weak, unknowing hand Presume thy bolts to throw, And deal damnation round the land 8. If I am right, thy grace impart If I am wrong, oh, teach my heart 9. Save me alike from foolish pride, At aught thy wisdom has denied, 10 Teach me to feel another's woe; 11. Mean though I am, not whōlly so, 12. This day be bread and peace my lot; All else beneath the sun Thou know'st if best bestow'd or not. Quick' ened, made alive. |