Just as the mother-eagle
Breaks up her birdlings' rest,
Pushing her wee ones over
The edge of their quiet nest,

Watching their trembling efforts,
With eager mother's love
She spreads her wings beneath them,
And bears them safe above.

Up toward the bright sun soaring,
O'er dizzy mountain-crest,
Showing her timid birdlings
Things better than their nest.

Thus does Thy love, O Father,
Break up our earthly nest;
In faithfulness Thou sayest,
"Rise ; this is not thy rest."

H. McD.