30 JANUARY 1892, Page 32

POETRY.

VIA CRUCIS VIA LUCIS.

,Suggested by a passage in Helps's "Brevia."]

WHAT heavenward guide is this, with blessings fraught ?

Not science, system chases system, vain Her struggle truth's white summit to attain, Scarce one step nearer to Omniscience brought : Not fame with splendid spur, more nobly sought Albeit than pleasure, or soul-narrowing gain: Nor art, that prisoned in flesh frets at the chain : Nor 'ove, though he God's very smile has caught : But sorrow, linking all from pole to pole In closer fellowship than hope or joy.

The angel troub;ing Bethesda's wave Felt a glad thrill making one sufferer whole, But higher yet perchance was his employ, His vision clearer, who the suffering gave.

H. T. R.