[England’s Antiphon by George MacDonald]@TWC D-Link book
England’s Antiphon

CHAPTER II
20/22

He sees the Lamb and all his company, and with them again his lost Pearl.

But it was not his prince's pleasure that he should cross the stream; for when his eyes and ears were so filled with delight that he could no longer restrain the attempt, he awoke out of his dream.
My head upon that hill was laid There where my pearl to grounde strayed.
I wrestled and fell in great affray, _fear._ And sighing to myself I said, "Now all be to that prince's paye." _pleasure._ After this, he holds him to that prince's will, and yearns after no more than he grants him.
"As in water face is to face, so the heart of man." Out of the far past comes the cry of bereavement mingled with the prayer for hope: we hear, and lo! it is the cry and the prayer of a man like ourselves.
From the words of the greatest man of his age, let me now gather two rich blossoms of utterance, presenting an embodiment of religious duty and aspiration, after a very practical fashion.

I refer to two short lyrics, little noted, although full of wisdom and truth.

They must be accepted as the conclusions of as large a knowledge of life in diversified mode as ever fell to the lot of man.
GOOD COUNSEL OF CHAUCER.
Fly from the press, and dwell with soothfastness; _truthfulness._ Suffice[29] unto thy good, though it be small; For hoard hath hate, and climbing tickleness;[30] Praise hath envy, and weal is blent over all.[31] Savour[32] no more than thee behove shall.
Rede well thyself that other folk shall rede; _counsel._ And truth thee shall deliver--it is no drede.

_there is no doubt._ Paine thee not each crooked to redress, _every crooked thing._ In trust of her that turneth as a ball: Fortune.
Great rest standeth in little busi-ness.
Beware also to spurn against a nail; _nail--to kick against Strive not as doth a crocke with a wall.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books