Classic Poem

FROM THE GERMAN

There stood upon a river's bank
A tall and branching tree,
Beneath whose shade a shepherd lived,
From care and tumult free
The rustling breeze, so mild and cool,
Watched o'er his nightly rest;
And all day long the rippling stream
In flashing light was drest.

But, ah! a torrent from the hills
Rushed fiercely to the shore,
Tore from its root the stalwart tree,
And down the current bore;
The flood passed by, and all was still,
The broad, bright stream flowed on;
But when the shepherd sought the place,
The sheltering tree was gone.

So sickness sweeps along the land;
So death is drawing nigh;
And we, with all our life and joy,
May droop and faint and die!
When God shall call our spirits home,
We may no longer stay;
Dear Saviour, make us meet to dwell
With Thee in endless day!