THE BARGAIN
What shall I give for thee,
Thou Pearl of greatest price?
For all the treasures I possess
Would not suffice.
I give my store of gold;
It is but earthly dross:
But thou wilt make me rich, beyond
All fear of loss.
Mine honours I resign;
They are but small at best:
Thou like a royal star wilt shine
Upon my breast.
My worldly joys I give,
The flowers with which I played;
Thy beauty, far more heavenly fair,
Shall never fade.
Dear Lord, is that enough?
_Nay, not a thousandth part._
Well, then, I have but one thing more:
Take Thou my heart.
TO THE CHILD JESUS
I
THE NATIVITY
Could every time-worn heart but see Thee once again,
A happy human child, among the homes of men,
The age of doubt would pass,--the vision of Thy face
Would silently restore the childhood of the race.
II
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
Thou wayfaring Jesus, a pilgrim and stranger,
Exiled from heaven by love at thy birth,
Exiled again from thy rest in the manger,
A fugitive child 'mid the perils of earth,--
Cheer with thy fellowship all who are weary,
Wandering far from the land that they love;
Guide every heart that is homeless and dreary,
Safe to its home in thy presence above.
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