Sunshine and Rain [pp. 172]

SUNSHINE IAND RAIN.M
proclaimed him "'Blessed." The authoritative voice of holy
church finally, after an often-interrupted canonical process, confirmed his veneration by the decree of Beatification issued by
Pope Clement IX. on the 8th of March, I669.
He is the true Alpine rose of the Swiss mountains, and its
perfume is sanctity. He was the child of this mountain-land.
These mountain slopes and ranges and valleys he hallowed, divinely directed back to his home when he was about to leave it.
He has impressed upon his character and whole appearance the
glorified features of this Alpine population, with its simple faith,
loving heart, and austerity of life. He was in life, and proved
after he had gone hence, the patron of his native land, canonized
not yet by the church, but long ago canonized as the model patriot
by the Swiss republic and its historians.
SUNSHINE AND RAIN.
" Happy the Bride the sun shines on,
Happy the Dead the rain falls on."
-OLD ENGLISH PROVERB.
"HAPPY the Bride!" Upon tier wedding morning,
'Midst holy chant and pray'r,
The sun shall shine and prophesy the dawning
Of a new life and fair.
And bid her hope that if around her gather
Dark clouds in future days,
That He, the Light, the everlasting Father,
Will guide in all her ways.
"Happy the Dead." For, ats the grass upspringeth
Beneath the gentle rain,
Weeping soft tears to the sad mourner bringeth
The Peace of God again.
And as they sleep, the sleep that hath no waking
(Our loved ones that have been),
The tears that save our weary hearts from breaking
Shall keep their mem'ry green.
So, on the Bride who goeth forth in splendor
The sun its rays shall shed;
But oh! soft rain, so pitiful, so tender,
Fall thou upon the Dead!
[May,
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