Was it then thou didst call them to banish all pain,
And the harpstring, just breaking, reecho again
To a strain of enchantment that flowed as the wave,
Where they waited to welcome the murmur it gave?
Oh, there's never a shadow where sunshine is not,
And never the sunshine without a dark spot;
Yet there's one will be victor, for glory and fame,
Without heart to define them, were only a name!
Lynn, Mass., February 19, 1868.
TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Who sent me the picture depictive of Isaiah xi.
Father, in Thy great heart hold them
Ever thus as Thine!
Shield and guide and guard them; and, when
At some siren shrine
They would lay their pure hearts' off'ring,
Light with wisdom's ray—
Beacon beams—athwart the weakly,
Rough or treacherous way.
Temper every trembling footfall,
Till they gain at last—
Safe in Science, bright with glory—
Just the way Thou hast:
Then, O tender Love and wisdom,
Crown the lives thus blest
With the guerdon of Thy bosom,
Whereon they may rest!