Ere yet the kindly balsam it will shed,
Which to the sufferer’s wound doth healing give;
Such as have seen their fondest hopes laid low,
Can only feel for thee, or thy deep anguish know!
This bosom bears a kindred stroke to thine.
Yet owneth that the Hand which wounds can heal!
May Gilead’s balm, as it hath brought to mine,
So to thy wound restoring life reveal;
Show thee a Father, in a chastening God,
And bid thee meekly bow, and kiss his gentle rod.