Brood o'er us with Thy shelt' ring wing
'Neath which our spirits blend
Like brother birds that soar and sing,
And on the same branch bend.
The arrow that doth wound the dove
Darts not from those who watch and love.
If thou the bending reed wouldst break
By thought or word unkind,
Pray that His spirit all partake
Who loved and healed mankind.
Seek holy thoughts and heavenly strain.
That make men one in love remain.
Learn, too, that wisdom's rod is given
For faith to kiss and know;
That greetings glorious from high Heaven
Whence joys supernal flow,
Come from that Love divinely near
Which chastens pride and earth-born fear,
