Reproof

NO II.

Oh say not thus! thy life is as a stair,Of which the first steps lean upon the earth;With each ascent you rise to purer air,Where God's angelic ministrants have birth;Though fair and sunny, Earth's alluring bowers,Break through her dear enchantments, and pursueThy path right upward—for those purple flowersO'er which thou tread'st their sweetness shall renewAnd bloom eternal through eternal hours—Till as you higher climb and from your viewEarth's soft green pleasaunce fades, faint not nor fear;Though solemn in its loneliness the road,Faith's star shines high above thee, bright and clear,And, won the height—the last step leads to God!