HER FAITH.

Because my faltering feet will fail to dare

The downward of the endless steps of Hell,

Give me the word in time that triumphs there.

I too must go into the dreadful hollow,

Where all our human laughter stops—and hark!

The tiny stuffless voices of the dark

Have called me, called me till I needs must follow.

Give me the word, and I’ll attempt it well.

Say it’s the little winking of an eye,

Which in that issue is uncurtained quite.

A little sleep that helps a moment by

Between the thin dawn and the large daylight.

Oh! tell me more than yet was hoped of men,

Swear that’s true now, and I’ll believe it then.