Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-03-27
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aexibty Of expression, and skinful musical dispo.
sitioa Of its feet 1t does not attempt is too Of
ten the case in such efforts to improve the narrative
given by the 'Disciple whom Jesus loved; out
rather lovingly TO dwell upon his every word, and
bring forth its deep meaning with perfection, and
touching beauty delicacy and refinement OF taste
In such mastery manner that we read 1t. and
dwell upon'it with reverence and unminged delight
We believe it worthy of being classed with the
grand Sacred Poems of Willis or the still grandel
Sacred Poems of Byron, SO little known, 50 seldom
read, and on which his highest fame as poet vii
ultimately rest ri. i.i.
....- THE RAISING OF LAZARUS.
Suggested by ineoh English picture which represent
the holy miracle as taking place at sunrise. ~.
BY ANNIE cHAxBERs xErcHUN.
The morning shone upon Judea's range
OF rifted marble, as pilgrim pale,
Journeying from Bethabsra, the rough -
And gloomy de6les trayersed, with a band t'' -.'
Of earnest followers Behind them frowned
The baaled Wilderness, where vultures preyed,
And hungry tigers crouched. The angered peaks,
Pointed malignant shadows after Him,
Like the defiant fingers of foe .'.''
But on before Him, bordering the plain
Of jericho, serene and hOwery slopes
That dallied with the fragrant Terebiuth
Or sung to the queen Fig tree and the Pane,
careless roundeay. in reverence now
flushed its gay melody, and whispering low
Unto the listening Almond trees, brought down
An offering Of white blossoms to His feet.
The brooks that wandered from the Northern hills,
Seeking the holy Jordan, silently
Floated past barley fields, or in the shade
of ancient Olives murmured prayerfuIly;
While, on their fringed borders, hyaclnihs
Offered sweet incense from their azure urns
And by the plumy Palm trees, Galbanum
Sent up its perfumed, consecrated breath,
For He who passed was Christ.
With steady tread
He walked toward Bethany, while earnestly
Unto each ether His disciples talked
Of the poor widow and her of Main;
And hushed their tones to whispers, as they spake
Of the great blessing He Was soon TO give 30
The stricken sisters. On His brow divine
Gathered the beaded damp of weariness;
But He went firmly on nor paused for rest
Within the valley skirting Bethany,
Until the triune height of Olivet,
Cast u rebuking shadow toward the fierce,
And frowning Wilderness, as if to say
"Get thee behind me- Satan"
From the street
Came forth frantic woman Her long hair
Backer than Egypts night plague, heavy hung
About her shoulders, and Hood of tears,
Bitter as water from the Dead Sea- scathed
Her olive cheek. whose dark tint darker grew
Beneath the evening shadows. and the cloud
OF her Overwhelming grief The outstretched hand
Of the Amounted clasping, in tone
Wild as the waves Of Galilee when winds
Dash the dark waves rocky Gadara
And the grey tombs give echo "Lnrd" she said,
"Hadst thou been here. my brother had not died!''
Turning away then bitterly. her form
Il am the Resurrection and the Lfe!"
Clear as the seraph tones that spake from Heaven
To Hagar in the wilderness those words
Like deep organs diapason, fell
Upon the silent air, while the barred heads
Of the Disciples bent in reverence low.
Gently and long He spake; and as the dew
Faeth on Hermon's blossoms on her heart
He poured the blessed balm Of sympathy;
And the grieved maiden's 1.-THE and rocking form
Strengthened ia holy strength. as looking up,
Calm as the lofty Lebanon when storms
Have passed away, and the unclouded sky
kisseth its lifted forehead, she replied
Yea, Lord, do believed Then with step
Firm as the patient camels, bearing on
Its burthen great and wearisome, she turned
To 60 to Mary.
When the cock crew shrill
In the dim, waning ngbt.watch, she returned
With Mary and their kindred. Der the eyes,
Of her meek sister that had ever worn
The uPturned look which makes US think of Heaven,
Inc white ms dropped as in the dusky night
The valley lily closeth The deep folds
Of her blue mantle Ger her slender feet
Traied heavily, and her white fingers pressed
The veil Of linen on her marble brow
" with PANIED. weary movement, as she went
10 meet the Lord. She knelt and kissed HIS feet
Those siness feet she erst had bathed with tears;
And casting back her veil. while the bright waves
kppling and golden, of her loosened hair
Swept DER his dusty sandals, from her lips
Came the low murmur, +" Lord! hadst THOU been here
Ny brother had not died" The Saviour went:
Wept though He knew their grief would be changet
Into rejoicing by His gracious word;
Wept Ger their sorrow, though His heavenly hands
Within their darkened homestead would ere long
Establish and re-light tn inverted torch
Oh! We who see along Lifes sterile paths
The wretched and bcref-ye may not bring
Back to the parched fields Of their barren life.
Hopes blessed sunshine nor the holy dew
VI Love and Trust; but can ye not extend
The only solace kindly sympathy!
"Where have We laid him!" master. come and ,e.n
They neared the sepulchre. eft was q cave.
And stone lay upon it." stake away
The stone, He said. and lifting high His hands
He prayed aloud With eager, earnest looks
OF reverent inquiry, the faithful ones
Who journeyed with Him gazed into His free
Like the Aurora and the dusky Night
Waiting the resurrection of the Day.
The sisters watched the open, silent tomb:
And when the sun above the grizze peaks
Ut the fierce Wilderness, a victor rose
And, browning the calm heights of Olivet so
Made bright Summer on the raven hair !
VI Martha, and amid the golden curls
VI Mary. like . trembling halo lay,
Jesus called LAzARUsr' The summons deem
Ike the quick influence of the opening Spring.
Melted the lfe-streams death had frozen QUITE:
And as the Morning looked into the grave
= de that was dead came forth" =