The Dew-Drop and the Stream

The Dew-Drop and the Stream

The brakes with golden flowers were crowned,
And melody was heard around,
When near a stream, a dew-drop shed
Its lustre on a violet's head;
While, trembling to the breeze, it hung.
The streamlet as it rolled along,
The beauty of the morn confessed,
And thus the sparkling pearl addressed.

"Sure, little drop, rejoice we may,
For all is beautiful and gay;
Creation wears her emerald dress,
And smiles in all her loveliness;
And with delight and pride I see
That little flower bedewed by thee;
Thy lustre with a gem might vie,
While trembling in its purple eye,"

"You may rejoice, indeed, 'tis true,"
Replied the radiant drop of dew,
"You will, no doubt, as on you move
To flocks and herds a blessing prove;
But when the sun ascends on high,
Its beam will draw me to the sky;
And I must own my humble power,
I've but refreshed a humble flower!"

"Hold," cries the stream, "nor thus repine,
For well 'tis known a power divine,
Subservient to his will supreme,
Has made the dew drop and the stream,
Though small thou art, (I that allow,)
No mark of Heaven's contempt art thou;
Thou hast refreshed a humble flower,
And done according to thy power."

All things that are both great and small,
One glorious Author formed them all.
This thought may all repinnings quell,
What serves His purpose serves Him well.

Mary Collings, "a servant girl from Devonshire, England"

3:5, p. 4

1839.02.09

From the London Quarterly Review