IF when thy children, O my friend, Were clasped by thee, in love's embrace, Their guardian angels, that in heaven Always behold the Father's face; Thine earthly home, on shining wings, Had entered, as of old they came, To grant to these whatever good, Thou shouldst desire, in Jesus' name; -- Or as the loving sinner came, And worshiped when He sat at meat, Couldst thou, thyself have come to Him, And bowed thy forehead to his feet; And prayed Him by that tender love, He feels for those to whom He came, To give to thy beloved ones, The best thou couldst desire or name; -- What couldst thou ask so great as this, Out of his love's rich treasury, That He should take them in his arms, And bless, and keep them safe for thee? Ah! favored friend, nor faith, nor prayers, Nor richest offering ever brought A token of the Saviour's love So sweet, as thou hast gained unsought! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A PASTORAL DIALOGUE: SHEPHERD, NYMPH, CHORUS by THOMAS CAREW A DOUBTING HEART by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER COMEDY by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH A CHRISTMAS HYMN by CECIL FRANCES ALEXANDER PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 70, 71. MUKADDIM, MUWAKHIR by EDWIN ARNOLD A SHEPHERD'S DREAM by NICHOLAS BRETON TO BEN JONSON; UPON OCCASION OF HIS ODE OF DEFIANCE ... by THOMAS CAREW |