The lilies of the field whose bloom is brief:— We are as they; Like them we fade away,
As doth a leaf.
The sparrows of the air of small account: Our God doth
Whether they fall or mount,— He guards us too.
The lilies that do neither spin nor toil, Yet are most fair:— What profits all this
And all this coil?
The birds that have no barn nor harvest-weeks; God gives them food:—Much more our Father seeks To do us good.
Helen
Because one loves you,
Helen Grey, Is that a reason you should pout, And like a March wind veer about,
And frown, and say your shrewish say?
Don't strain the cord until it snaps, Don't split the sound heart with your wedge, Don't cut your fingers with the
Of your keen wit; you may, perhaps.
Because you're handsome,
Helen Grey, Is that a reason to be proud? Your eyes are bold, your laugh is loud,
Your steps go mincing on their way;
But so you miss that modest charm Which is the surest charm of all: Take heed, you yet may trip and fall,
And no man care to stretch his arm.
Stoop from your cold height,
Helen Grey, Come down, and take a lowlier place; Come down, to fill it now with grace;
Come down you must perforce some day:
For years cannot be kept at bay, And fading years will make you old; Then in their turn will men seem cold,
When you yourself are nipped and grey.
