Themselves gone,—only I was left to plague.

If only I was threatened and belied,

What matter? I could bear it and did bear;

It was a comfort, still one lot for all:

They were not persecuted for my sake

And I, estranged, the single happy one.

But when at last, all by myself I stood

Obeying the clear voice which bade me rise,

Not for my own sake but my babe unborn,

And take the angel's hand was sent to help—