Nor this alone would make me groan,—
Alas, a traitor dwells within me;
With hollow smile and heart of guile
The world without, too, plots to win me.
Thus I'm beset with foes, and yet
I would not miss a single danger:
Each foe's a friend that makes me wend
My homeward way,—on earth a stranger.
For never haze dims upward gaze,—
Oh, glorious sight! for there above me
Upon God's throne there sitteth One
Who died to save—who lives to love me!
And like the dew each dayspring new
That tender love shall onward lead me:
My thirst shall slake, yet thirst awake
Till every breath shall pant:—"I need Thee."
No wisdom give; I'd rather live
In conscious lack dependent on Thee:
Each parting way I meet this day
Then proves my claim to call upon Thee.
No strength I ask, for Thine the task
To bear Thine own on Shepherd-shoulder.
Then Faith may boast when helpless most,
And greater need make weakness bolder.
Then Lord, thy breast is, too, my rest;
And there, as in my home, I'm hidden,—
Where quiet peace makes groanings cease,
And Zion's songs gush forth unbidden.
Yes, e'en on earth may song have birth,
And music rise o'er Nature's groanings,—
Whilst Hope new born each springing morn
Dispel with joy my faithless moanings.