Was it a ghost’s voice or the wind? For still Bath-Sheba, unaware, Smiled. But King David ill in mind Scarce deemed her Beauty half so fair: “Stale is the wine this evening, And sick with roses is the air!” He tore the garland from his hair, And left Bath-Sheba lying there Perturbed, and vaguely wondering.... BENEDICTION Spring’s blessing be upon you, dear! Such is the prayer most meet for one Whose eyes look up so starry-clear-- With all his flowerets new-begun Still may he bless your pathway, dear, Who weaves his golden threads around Your heart and mine together bound: Because your eyes are starry-clear-- Spring’s blessing be upon you, dear! Spring’s blessing be upon you, child, When all the earth with longing swells, And lilies ring their silver bells For joy that he is nigh, And open wide, their lord to greet, Adoring humbly at his feet (Ah, spring has come, and spring is sweet!) Their inmost pageantry, And all the earth with love is wild-- Spring’s blessing be upon you, child! Spring’s blessing be upon you, child, And may the song of nightingales Re-echo from the wooded dales-- Like women’s arms so soft and mild, And as deep crimson roses wild, (Such is the song of the nightingales, And sad as tears of one that wails Where love’s high temple is defiled); Spring’s blessing be upon you, child! Spring’s blessing be upon your ways, Before in life’s distracting maze We fall on hopeless evil days! True, summer comes more richly warm And fraught with wilder passion’s storm Of torturing blisses; But golden gleams spring’s youthful form, More sweet his kisses; Soft breezes sing his roundelays-- Spring’s blessing be upon your ways! Spring’s blessing be upon you, dear! His hair is decked with flowery cheer; Upon his brow the diadem Shines out by right of youth immortal; His might brings glad release to them That were condemned without the portal Of hope to live in sickening fear; Spring’s blessing be upon you, dear! Spring’s blessing be upon you, child! And never may the wine-cup hold One drop of bitter questioning. May Death in spring-time find you, child-- But Love shall toss his locks of gold And make all life an endless spring, And fate and he be reconciled: Spring’s blessing be upon you, child! SPRING _For Peter Pan_ Spring came carolling through the land, Roses and laughter on every hand; But I was gazing with steadfast eye Where Christ was nailed on high. Hawthorn blossoms were white and gay, Promise of fruit in the laden spray-- Only the tree of the Cross bare naught Save the ruin that death had wrought! Spring passed on, and a breath of bloom Swept through the casement, filled the room. I cried in a sudden agony: “Lord Jesus, set me free!