The Fairy Mythology Illustrative of the Romance and...

O'er the isle of Juan Fernandez Cooling shades of evening spread, While upon the peaks of Andes Still the tints of day were shed.

From the sea-beat shore returning Homeward hied the lonely man, O'er his cheerless fortune mourning, As through past days memory ran.

Soon his brief repast was ended And he sought his lowly bed; Balmy slumber there descended, Shedding influence o'er his head.

Then a vision full of gladness Came, sent forth by Him supreme Who his suffering servants' sadness Oft dispelleth in a dream.

In his view the lively dream sets Hills and vales in verdure bright; Where the gaily-prattling streamlets Sparkle in the morning-light.

Hark! the holy bell is swinging, Calling to the house of prayer; Loud resounds the solemn ringing Through the still and balmy air.

Youths and maids from glen and mountain Hasten at the hallowed sound, Old men rest by shady fountain, Children lay them on the ground.

Now the pious throng is streaming Through the temple's portal low; Rapture in each face is beaming Pure devotion's genuine glow.

Fervently the hoary pastor, Humbly bent before his God, Supplicates their heavenly Master Them to lead on Sion's road;

Owns that all have widely erred From the true, the narrow way, That with Him we have no merit, And no claim of right can lay.

Loud then rise in choral measure Hymns of gratitude and praise, As, inspired with solemn pleasure, Unto Heaven their strains they raise.

Now the grave discourse beginneth, Which, ungraced by rhetoric's arts, Quick the rapt attention winneth, While it glorious truths imparts;

While it tells how kind is Heaven To the race of him who fell; How of old the Son was given To redeem from pains of hell;

How the Holy Spirit abideth In their hearts that hear his call; How our God for all provideth, How His mercy's over all;

How, beyond the grave extending, Regions lie of endless bliss; How our thoughts on that world bending, We should careless be of this.

Once again the raised hymn pealeth Notes of joy and jubilee, Praising Him who truth revealeth, Dweller of Eternity!

Night's dim shades were now retreating, Over Andes rose the day, On the hills the kids' loud bleating Lingering slumber chased away.

Birds their merry notes were singing, Joyous at the approach of morn— Morn that, light and fragrance flinging, Earth doth cherish and adorn.

Waked by Nature's general chorus Selkirk quits his lonely couch, While o'er heaven run colours glorious, Heralding the sun's approach.

Still the vision hovers o'er him, Still the heavenly strains he hears, Setting those bright realms before him Where are wiped away all tears.

All this vain and transitory State of mankind here on earth, Weighed with that exceeding glory, Now he deems as nothing worth.

Low he bends in adoration, As the sun ascends the sky; Doubt and fear and lamentation With the night's last shadows fly.