Dull wit, and scanty joy,—nor be afraid

That we shall thwart the purpose of our living

By such self-tolerance and such forgiving;

For the least spark which fires the mortal clod,

And wakes the hunger and the thirst divine

In the least soul, as truly is of God

As the great flame which burns a beaconing sign

To light the nations when their hope is dim,

Set in the darkness as a type of Him.

Take courage then, poor soul, so little worth