Speaking of the
five pastors now distributed over the field of which Neff assumed the
whole charge, he said with a modesty that was quite unaffected, "All
five together, we are not worth him alone" (_nous ne le valons pas_).
What we had seen that day convinced us that so far at least as concerned
himself his deprecation was unfounded, but in expressing it he echoed
the tone that seemed universal in the High Alps in reference to the
illustrious young pastor. Neff could not, of course, in his short career
accomplish the permanent revolution which he dreamed of and longed for.
At the same time, it cannot be said that his work has perished while not
only pastors but people feel so strongly the inspiration of that heroic
life.
JAMES M. BRUCE.
BLOOMING.
A little seed lay underneath the ground,
While from the south a mild wind-current blew,
And from the tropics to the northward flew
Long, angular lines of wild-fowl with a sound
Of silken wings. About that time the sun
Put forth a shining finger, and did stir
The sleeping soil to effort; whereupon
The seed made roots like webs of gossamer,
Shot up a stem, and flourished leaf and flower.
Now look, O sweet! see what your eyes have done
With just one ray of their mysterious power
Upon the germ of my heart's passion thrown!
Through all my frame steal roots of pure desire:
My dreams are blooms that shake and shine like fire.
Pages:
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131