23 Of fowl--even every beak and wing Which cheer the winter, hail the spring, That live in peace, or prey; They that make music, or that mock, The quail, the brave domestic cock, The raven, swan, and jay. 24 Of fishes--every size and shape, Which nature frames of light escape, Devouring man to shun: The shells are in the wealthy deep, The shoals upon the surface leap, And love the glancing sun. 25 Of beasts--the beaver plods his task; While the sleek tigers roll and bask, Nor yet the shades arouse; Her cave the mining coney scoops; Where o'er the mead the mountain stoops, The kids exult and browse. 26 Of gems--their virtue and their price, Which, hid in earth from man's device, Their darts of lustre sheath; The jasper of the master's stamp, The topaz blazing like a lamp, Among the mines beneath. 27 Blest was the tenderness he felt, When to his graceful harp he knelt, And did for audience call; When Satan with his hand he quelled, And in serene suspense he held The frantic throes of Saul. 28 His furious foes no more maligned As he such melody divined, And sense and soul detained; Now striking strong, now soothing soft, He sent the godly sounds aloft, Or in delight refrained. 29 When up to heaven his thoughts he piled, From fervent lips fair Michal smiled, As blush to blush she stood; And chose herself the queen, and gave Her utmost from her heart--'so brave, And plays his hymns so good.' 30 The pillars of the Lord are seven, Which stand from earth to topmost heaven; His wisdom drew the plan; His Word accomplished the design, From brightest gem to deepest mine, From Christ enthroned to man. 31 Alpha, the cause of causes, first In station, fountain, whence the burst Of light and blaze of day; Whence bold attempt, and brave advance, Have motion, life, and ordinance, And heaven itself its stay. 32 Gamma supports the glorious arch On which angelic legions march, And is with sapphires paved; Thence the fleet clouds are sent adrift, And thence the painted folds that lift The crimson veil, are waved. 33 Eta with living sculpture breathes, With verdant carvings, flowery wreathes Of never-wasting bloom; In strong relief his goodly base All instruments of labour grace, The trowel, spade, and loom. 34 Next Theta stands to the supreme-- Who formed in number, sign, and scheme, The illustrious lights that are; And one addressed his saffron robe, And one, clad in a silver globe, Held rule with every star. 35 Iota's tuned to choral hymns Of those that fly, while he that swims In thankful safety lurks; And foot, and chapiter, and niche, The various histories enrich Of God's recorded works.