The following fine lines are from the pen of an amiable
and most accomplished young Lady.
By Faith sublim'd, fair PASSIFLORA steers
Her pilgrimage along this Vale of Tears,
The hopes of Heaven alone her thoughts employ,
CHRIST IS her glory, and the cross her joy.-
As the deep organ sounds the hallow'd strain,
With solemn step proceeds the pious train;
In polish'd censers, wrought with wondrous care,
Five cherub boys the holy incense bear;
Three pious virgins form her holy train,
Join in her pray'rs, and weep the "Lamb that's slain."
With solemn step they tread the cloister's gloom,
Seek its deep shade, and commune with the tomb.
Hark! from the walls what sacred anthem sounds!
With hymns of praise the vaulted roof resounds!
                                                   ANTHEM.
"He died! he died ! -The Saviour of mankind,
" To save our souls, his spotless life resign'd;
"Yes! low with humble grace, th' ALMIGHTY'S SON
"Bow'd to the cross, and cried, 'THY WILL BE DONE.
Astonish'd Nature trembled at the sight,
And veil'd the guilty land in shades of night.
"In lofty mountains roll'd the mighty flood,
"Earth op'd her jaws, and drank his precious blood.
Redemption's ours,' re-echoed through her caves;
The dead are rous'd, and burst their silent graves;
In hollow tones each from his vault replies,
"We slept in peace secure with GOD to rise.'
"Death vanquish'd fled, and sought his fell abode;
Sin blush'd with shame, and hid his face from GOD,
While Mercy, rising from the throne of grace,
"Pronounc'd free pardon to a sinful race. -
Oh! may that cross on which our SAVIOUR died
Subdue our passions, and our guilty pride!
That we, amidst the general wreck, shall rise
Preserv'd for purer worlds, and brighter skies,
Mount the bless'd seats of Harmony and Love,
Be crown'd with bliss, and live with GOD above.
FRANCES ARABELLA ROWDEN.
                                                              I