THE SABBATH.

Who, careless, would behold a goodly tree

Or noble palace stricken to decay?

Who would drop precious jewels in the sea

Or cast rare heirlooms on the trodden way?

Who, but a prodigal in wantonness,

Would waste his patrimony for swine's food?

Who would his birthright sell for pottage-mess

But a dull, sensual Esau, blind to good?

Our tree o'ershadowing the sons of care,

Our palace welcoming the weary guest,

Our precious jewel and our heirloom rare,

Our birthright and our patrimony blest,

Art thou, to guard and keep for ever fair,

Sweet Christian Sabbath-day of joy and rest.