The Shasta courier., 1861-09-21
THE HoUsEHoLD JEWELS.

A traveller, from journeying
In countries far away,
Re-passed the threshold at the close
Ofone calm Sabbath day:
A voice of love, q comely face,
A kiss of chaste delight
Were the iYst things to welcome him
On that blest Sabbath night.
He stretched his limbs upon the hearth,
Before its friendly blaze.
And conjured up mixed memories
Ofgay and gloomy days;
And felt that none Of gentle soul,
However far he roam,
Can e'er forego. can e'er forget,
The quiet joys of home.
Bring me my children" cried the sire,
With eager, ardent tone;
a. long to press them, and to mark
How lovely they have grown;
Twelve weary months have passed away
Since went on the sea,
To feel how sad and lone l was
Without my babes and thee
Refresh thee, as It's needful," said
The fair and faithful wife,
The while her pensive features palsd,
And stirred with inward strife;
Refresh thee, husband of my heart.
ask it as boon;
Our children are reposing, love,
Thou shalt behold them soon.''
She spread the meal. she filed the cup,
She pressed him to partake;
He sat down blithely at the board,
And all for her sweetsake;
But when the frugal feast was done,
The thankful prayer preferred,
Again affections g fountain flowed,
Again its voice was heard.
"Bring me my children, darling wife,
I'm in an ardent mood;
Ny soul lacks purer aliment,
long for other food
Bring forth my children to my gaze,
Or ere rage or weep,
yearn to kiss their happy eyes
Before the hour of Sleep"
81 have question yet to ask;
My patient husband dear,
stranger, one auspicious morn,
Did send some jewels here;
Until, to take them from my care,
But yesterday he came,
And l restored them with sigh;
-Dost thou approvOr blamc?"
marvel much, sweet wife, that thou
Should st breathe such words to me;
Restore to man, resign to God,
Whate'er is lent to thee;
Restore it with willing heart,
Be grateful for the trust;
Whate 'er may tempt or try US, wife.
Let us be ever just"
She took him by the passive hand,
And on the moonlit stair,
She led him to their bridal bed,
With mute and mournful air:
She turned the cover down and there
In grave-hke garments dressed,
Lay the twin children of their love
In deaths serenest rest.
"Thesc are the jewels lent to me.
Which God has deigned to own;
The precious caskets still remain,
But, ah the gems are flown;
But thou did'st teach me to resign
What God alone can claim;
lie giveth, and he takes away;
Blest be his holy name!"
Tho father gazed upon his babes,
The mother dropped, apart,
Whilst all the woman's sorloy gushed
From her o'erburdened heart;
And with the striving of her great.
Which rung the tears she shed,
Were mingled low and loving words
To the unconscious dead.
When the sad sire had looked his fill,
He veiled his breathless face,
And down in self-abasement bowed,
For comfort and for grace
With the deep eloquence of woe,
Poured forth his secret soul,
Rose up, and stood erect and calm,
In spirit healed and whole.
- Restrain thy tears, poor wife, he said,
al learn this lesson still,
God gives and God can take away,
Blest be his holy will |
Blest are my children, for they live.
From sin and sorrow free,
And am not all joyless, wife,
With faith, hope, love and thee -