Throughout the universe he ever saw A mighty, interfusing Presence shine, Controlling all things by its sovereign law; He saw the secret bands, so strong and fine, That link the insect to a source divine. And gazing up, like one of those rapt seers, Whose souls have visioned out God’s vast design, Entranced in adorations, hopes and fears, Yielded himself to thoughts that “lie too deep for tears.” And o’er the human soul with quiet eye He deeply brooded, and its wonders knew; The subtle powers that underneath it lie, From their unfathomed haunts his magic drew— Displayed its tranquil beauty to our view, Unstirred by passions blowing strong and wild, And, in his thought, our marvelous being grew, To a strange harmony, serene and mild, Which blent in union sweet the old man and the child. Blest be the Priest, whose consecrating hands Wreathed a new glory round the true and right, Baptized by whom, the humblest duty stands, Appareled in a clear, celestial light; Blest be the Prophet, who has turned our sight, From the drear Present’s sinful turbulence, To his ideal world, that island bright In Time’s dim ocean, where men pitch their tents, And walk before the Lord in fearless innocence. I see the Poet in his peaceful home, The home of mountain, forest, and of lake, While closing round him Death’s cool shadows come, And the calm hopes of Heaven within him wake, Glowing with sunset, Grasmere’s waters take To their still bosom, sky, and rock, and wood; Nature stands trembling, grieved that she must break Union with him, who shared her quietude, The dearest worshiper that near her altar stood. But thou diest not, O Wordsworth! who hast found, And called from sleep our holier sympathies, Strewing with deathless flowers Life’s barren ground, And lighting up our pathway to the skies— Translator of great Nature’s mysteries! Linked with herself, thou livest evermore, And we, united by thy teachings wise, Shall tread a lovelier earth than heretofore, Shall sail on smoother seas, along a sunnier shore. * * * * * THE COMUS OF MILTON. BY REV. J. N. DANFORTH.