Bethlehem and Golgotha. IN Bethlehem He first arose, From whom we draw our true life's breath; Where his cross broke the power of death. Througn strange scenes of the Morning Land; The ancient wonders of the world Here rose aloft,-the mighty Seven;- In passing, I could see and tell Cease, Pyramids of Egypt, cease! The toil that built you never gave The faintest thought of Death's great peace,— ! 484 BETHLEHEM AND GOLGOTHA. Ye Sphinxes, in colossal stone! O Rocknabad, earth's Paradise, Of all Shiraz the sweetest flower! Where groves of palms in beauty tower ;- The step of Death leave sable stains. Look up! There comes a deathless ray Thou Caaba! black stone of the waste, O Thou, who in a shepherd-stable BETHLEHEM AND GOLGOTHA. But what shall bring this pride down? Say? The Magi kings went forth to see The Shepherd Stock, the Paschal Lamb; And to the cross on Calvary The pilgrimage of nations came. O, march we not in martial band, Till all men catch the beams that play With pilgrim staff and scallop-shell Through Eastern climes I sought to roam; This counsel have I found to tell, Brought from my travels to my home:- 485 486 BETHLEHEM AND GOLGOTHA. O heart! what helps it that the knee Ruckert. Who Cometh from Edom Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the wine-fat? I have trodden the wine-press alone; and of the people there was none with me; for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold, therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my jury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.-ISAIAH lxiii, 1–6. STRANGE scene of glory! am I well awake, Or is 't my fancy's wild mistake? It can not be a dream; bright beams of light Flow from the visions fair, and pierce my tender sight. No common vision this; I see Some marks of more than human majesty. Who is this mighty Hero, who, With glories round his head, and terror in his brow? |