THE SEA-SIDE MARSH.

Southland Times, Issue 1011, 28 August 1868, Page 3

THE SEA-SIDE MARSH.

God made the marsh ; and not alone on hill, Or mountain-height, sweet field or golden grove, I trace His goodness, but behold Him still Leaving, ever here, the footprints of His love. The marsh is covered with wide flocks and herds, By thousands grazing in their calm content ; And here innumerable flights of birds Find food, mysteriously, but surely, sent. See from the dyke the broad-winged heron rise, Grasping a fish within his lengthy beak ; And there a beautiful king-fisher flies, Swift as the wind with intermittent shriek. From yonder bed of tremulous tush and reed, A dozen ducks and teal, in hasty flight, Sweep o'er the marsh, or circle in their speed Up the blue heavens, and up, till lost to sight. And wild birds overhead with frequent call, Fly seawards in the shape of figure five ; Yet He who feeds the ravens feeds them allGod's birds are they, and by him kept alive. A marsh is not a melancholy place, But wisely formed, and redolent of good; High lessons there of providence and grace Are taught : it is God's market-place for food. Down in the marsh ten thousand beasts and sheep In healthful pastures wait the wants of men ; And there they chew the cud, and eat, and sleep, And multiply, earth's minions to sustain. Shout in the marsh ! sing with the jubilant spa! Whose waves are vocal with a hymn of praise ; Oh man ! God made this sea-side marsh for thee, To give the pleasant food and length of days. '' ' ' ." ' ' Benjamin Gough.