The tasks that once were easy to perform

Did seem vast mountains to the strength so worn;

And if the sun did shine, or if it not,

In shadow’s dwelt her heart; no ray, no spot

Of light or hope did penetrate the gloom—

This life seemed sadder far than death or tomb.

And still she wept!

’Till to her tear-washed eyes there came,

Like “bow of promise” after summer rain,

A vision beauteous from that “other land”—