[Editor: This poem by William Blocksidge (also known as William Baylebridge) was published in Songs o’ the South (1908).]
The Music of God’s Law
O for a voice of subtle, solemn power —
A voice deep-toned, of penetrating parts,
Within the hollow chambers of men’s hearts
To ring with magic measure, that each hour
Might meet them walking nearer God, where lower
No storms whose thunders fling their fiery darts
Across life’s heav’ns, but That, whose Law imparts
Such wondrous peace, would prove their strength and tower!
But all may learn to love Its mighty ways
And live — for this alone is life for man:
Each may his heart attune to perfect praise,
Till heavenly tones unfold their lofty plan.
Then strive ye (all may targe who firmly draw)
To hear the music of Immortal Law!
Source:
William Blocksidge, Songs o’ the South, London: Watts, 1908, p. 51
Editor’s notes:
targe = (archaic) shield; (archaic) buckler (a small round shield); (archaic) target; (archaic) to reprimand or scold; to cross-examine, interrogate, question closely; to beat, drub
heav’n = (vernacular) heaven
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