I F thus our Lord himself withdrew,
Stealing at times away,
E'en from the loved, the chosen few,
In solitude to pray,
How should his followers, frail and weak,
Such seasons of retirement seek!

Seldom amid the strife and din
Of sublunary things,
Can spirits keep their watch within,
Or plume their heaven-ward wings;
He must dwell deep, indeed, whose heart
Can thus fulfil true wisdom's part

Retirement must adjust the beam,
And prayer must poise the scales,
Our Guide, Example, Head supreme,
In neither lesson fails;
Oh, may we in remembrance bear,
He sought retirement, — practised prayer!