Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Henry Francis Lyte 1793–1847

The Secret Place

THERE is a safe and secret place

Beneath the wings divine,

Reserv’d for all the heirs of grace:

Oh, be that refuge mine!

The least and feeblest there may bide

Uninjur’d and unaw’d;

While thousands fall on every side,

He rests secure in God.

The angels watch him on his way,

And aid with friendly arm;

And Satan, roaring for his prey,

May hate, but cannot harm.

He feeds in pastures large and fair

Of love and truth divine;

O child of God, O glory’s heir,

How rich a lot is thine!

A hand almighty to defend,

An ear for every call,

An honor’d life, a peaceful end,

And heaven to crown it all!