The winds come from the West,
Come softly, mildly,
"What tidings do you bring?"
I questioned wildly.
They sang a tender tune,
And answered lightly--
"Your darling's path is fair!
The sun shines brightly."
The winds came from the West,
Came shrieking, groaning.
"What tidings now, oh wind?"
My heart cried moaning.
They answered loud, and wild,
"When danger stalketh--
And death is waiting, near,
Your darling walketh."
The winds came from the West,
Came weeping, wailing.
"Oh, tell me, tell me, winds!"
My heart cried, failing.
"Where none are near to soothe,"
They answered sighing,
"In loneliness and pain,
Your love is dying!"
The winds came from the West!
Came sadly sobbing.
And with an awful fear,
My heart was throbbing.
I wildly questioned them
Amidst my weeping,
"All still, and white," they said,
"Your love is sleeping."
1870
[SOMETIMES]
Sometimes when I am all alone,
Away from noise and strife,
The many faults and weaknesses,
That rule my daily life
Seem to die out. And as I sit
From worldliness apart,
All that is good and pure obtains
The mastery of my heart.
And then my soul turns heavenward.
And I commune with God.
I long to tread the narrow path
That Christ before me trod.
I long to see his precious face--
To go where angels go,
To leave the fleeting, fading things
That make up life below.
My soul expands with ecstasy,
My heart grows brave, and strong,
To meet whatever lies ahead--
To battle down the wrong.
No sorrow can affright my soul,
No earthly ill, I fear,
While in that blessed trance I sit
And feel that God is near.
And then I mingle with the world,
And falter day by day.
Until at last I walk within
The olden, sinful way.
O, shall I even grow in grace,
O shall I ever be,
Ready to meet the judgment day--
Fit for eternity?