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To the Rhine: A Poem

Improvement Era, vol. 8, no. 12, October 1905, pp. 933 to 934

Alder, Lydia D.

AN INCIDENT AND ITS LESSON. 933

side of the house, and it was with difficulty that he could talk. His surroundings were among the crudest, and he had not the com- fort of a bed nor of tender care. After supper he sent for us to come to him, as he wanted to mihi to us. We went to him, and I shall never forget the incident, or the man, a helpless invalid per- forming thib little ceremony to us who were strangers. His delight at our reply and at our pleasure in hearing him was something to remember. I marveled at his patience and fortitude, and it was borne home to me, the gratitude that I should feel to our Father in heaven for his blessings to me, and to all who are enjoying health and strength. The Maori people have many peculiar and interesting customs and ceremonies which time and space forbid mentioning at present. This incident made such an impression on me that it occurred to me to write it, so that others might profit by the lesson it

teaches. Kopu, Thames, N. Z.

TO THE RHINE.

(For the Improvement Era.)

0, 'tis a holy rapture, A touch of the divine, That thrills one with emotion, While gazing on the Rhine. An ideal most transcending, Long filled this heart of mine- The real is entrancing, The floating on the Rhine.

There is a something whispers, Beholding beauty thine,

934 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

Of other days forgotten, Before the dawn of Time. There is a sadness, sweetness, My soul cannot define; It seems it ne'er was 'wakened,

Till touched by thee, 0, Rhine.

The azure clouds above thee, 'Neath them the sweeping pine; And sunshine on thy waters, So fair art thou, 0, Rhine. It seems strange mem'ries thrill me, That whisper things sublime; A boundless love o'erfills me, Beside thee, gentle Rhine!

Is there a myst'ry hidden,

That e'er makes thee repine? Or is it that lost spirits Brood over thee, 0, Rhine? The dark'ning clouds descending, Of ligh!; leave but a line, That makes thy heaving bosom So beautiful, 0, Rhine!

And so, I fain would leave thee, While yet the sun rays shine, And highten e'en to glory The waters of the Rhine. This scene, a treasured mem'ry, Where light and shadow twine; Transparent, restless, glist'ning, 0, beautiful, the Rhine. Lydia D. Alder. Leipzig, 1904.