And sins prevent, and foes and fears assail."
And still, "Go, feed my lambs!" was all I heard.
But should I rest upon that simple word?
Was that, indeed, my message from my Lord?
Behold, I thought that he his hand would lay
On my sick soul, and words of healing say,
And charm the plague-spot from my heart away.
Half wroth, I turned to go; but oh! the look
He on me cast—a gaze I could not brook;
With deep relentings all my spirit shook.