We gather round him and for news apply;

He hears unheeding, nor can speech endure,

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But shivering gazes on the vast obscure.

We, smiling, pity, and by kindness show

We felt his feelings and his terrors know;

Then speak of comfort—time will give him sight,

Where now 'tis dark; where now 'tis wo, delight.

"'Have hope,' we say, 'and soon the place to thee

Shall not a prison but a castle be;