LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Designed by Lorenz Frölich, Albert Moore, W. Small, Caroline Hullah, J. Jackson, C. J. Durham, and E. M. Wimperis. Engraved by W. J. Palmer. SUBJECT ILLUSTRATED. DRAWN BY PAGE PORTRAIT OF JOHN MILTON, FROM THE YANSER PORTRAIT. This is the month, and this the happy morn. EMBLEMATIC TITLE TO "THE HYMN." It was the winter wild, While the heaven-born child All meanly wrapt in the rude manger lies. INITIAL LETTER. Nature, in awe to him, Had doff'd her gaudy trim, With her great Master so to sympathise. BETHLEHEM. The meek-ey'd Peace ; She, crown'd with olive green, came softly sliding Down through the turning sphere, His ready harbinger, With turtle wing the amorous clouds dividing; And, waving wide her myrtle wand, She strikes an universal peace through sea and land. The idle spear and shield were high up hung. The winds with wonder whist, Smoothly the waters kist, Whispering new joys to the mild ocean, Who now hath quite forgot to rave, While birds of calm sit brooding on the Stand fix'd in stedfast gaze, Bending one way their precious influence; And will not take their flight, For all the morning light, Or Lucifer that often warn'd them thence ; But in their glimmering orbs did glow, Until their Lord himself bespake, and bid them go. And, though the shady gloom Had given day her room, The sun himself withheld his wonted speed. APOLLO CHECKING HIS STEEDS - ADAPTED FROM FLAXMAN. THE MORNING OF THE NATIVITY. Full little thought they then, That the mighty Pan Was kindly come to live with them below. THE ADORATION OF PAN-ADAPTED FROM FLAXMAN. Nature that heard such sound, Beneath the hollow round Of Cynthia's seat, the airy region thrilling. CYNTHIA-ADAPTED FROM HOPE. MOONLIGHT. At last surrounds their sight A globe of circular light, That with long beams the shame-fac'd night array'd; The helmed Cherubim, And sworded Seraphim, Are seen in glittering ranks with wings display'd, Harping in loud and solemn quire, With unexpressive notes, to heaven's new-born Heir. And cast the dark foundations deep, Yea, Truth and Justice then Will down return to men, Orb'd in a rainbow; and, like glorious wear |