Library of the best American literature / Containing the lives of our authors in story form, their portraits, their homes, and their personal traits, how they worked and what they wrote; choice selections from eminent writers, embracing great American poets and novelists, foremost women in American letters, distinguished critics and essayists, our national humorists, noted journalists and magazine contributors, popular writers for young people, great orators and public lecturers

by Unknown

But sickness and affliction, are

Sent by a wise creation,

And always ought to be underwent

By patience and resignation.

O I could to your bedside fly,

And wipe your weeping eyes,

And do my best to cheer you up,

If’t wouldn’t create surprise.

It’s a world of trouble we tarry in,

But, Elder, don’t despair;