Devotion

When I wander by the ocean, When I view its wild commotion, Then the spirit of devotion Cometh near; And it fills my brain and bosom, Like a fear! I fear its booming thunder, Its terror and its wonder, Its icy waves, that sunder Heart from heart; And the white host that lies under Makes me start. Its clashing and its clangour Proclaim the Godhead's anger-- I shudder, and with langour Turn away; No joyance fills my bosom For that day. When I wander through the valleys, When the evening zephyr dallies, And the light expiring rallies In the stream, That spirit comes and glads me, Like a dream. The blue smoke upward curling, The silver streamlet purling, The meadow wildflowers furling Their leaflets to repose: All woo me from the world And its woes. The evening bell that bringeth A truce to toil outringeth, No sweetest bird that singeth Half so sweet, Not even the lark that springeth From my feet. Then see I God beside me, The sheltering trees that hide me, The mountains that divide me From the sea: All prove how kind a Father He can be. Beneath the sweet moon shining The cattle are reclining, No murmur of repining Soundeth sad: All feel the present Godhead, And are glad. With mute, unvoiced confessings, To the Giver of all blessings I kneel, and with caressings Press the sod, And thank my Lord and Father, And my God.