And I saw them true and clear,
I found that the hours were all messengers,
Sent forth by a Friend most dear,
To bring me whatever I needed most—
Of chastening or of cheer.
And though some of them, truly, were grave and sad,
And moved with reluctant feet,
There were others came gladly, with smiling eyes,
And footsteps by joy made fleet;
But whatever with gladness or sorrow fraught,