Albert's Tomb.

Down goes the scaffolding; the work is crown'd;
"Much that was hidden from us may be read,
And for the first time we can look all round
The Statue of his life now perfected.

3

In the cold hand we fain would place the palm; Tried in the fire our love comes forth pure gold! We loved more than we knew. We would embalm Our Dead with honey, as they did of old.

We see the glory in the goodness veiled;

The greatness that in bounds so narrow moved: Our peaceful Hero-King who reign'd unhail'd, And ruled by loving, and by being loved.

The Flower of Chivalry upon the height,
He could as featly bend to lowliest place;
With something in him of the lofty light

That shone in Philip Sydney's cordial face.

His natural kingliness made crowns look wan, Whom God had set amongst the Lords of Earth,

To shew them how the majesty of Man

May shine above the starriest badge of Birth.

He made the Palace fragrant with fresh health;
He strove to set his jewels in God's light;
He was a light 'twixt Poverty and Wealth;
He wrought for all and reverenced only Right.

THE BOOK OF FAMILIAR QUOTATIONS.

CHOICE POEMS AND LYRICS.

CHOICE THOUGHTS FROM SHAKSPERE.

Printed on toned paper, price 5s. each.

LONDON: WHITTAKER & CO.

OTHEC

•BOD

DON MIL

NUS

Printed by R. & R. Clark, Edinburgh.

PREFACE.

-000

HE constantly increasing taste for devotional poetry of a high order of

merit has suggested the compilation of this Volume, the contents of which, it is hoped, will insure for it many readers. The selections are for the most part of a strictly sacred character, but occasionally they are interspersed with others having a religious tendency, if they do not absolutely come under the denomination of Sacred Poems.

The object has not been to confine the extracts to any particular period, consequently some of our living poets will be found side by side with the illustrious dead.