The strong day deepens, as the spirit speeds
Along the crowded thoroughfares of life,
But apprehension’s vague, dim, shadow flits
O’er thought’s bright beauty; strange and fitfully
Gray tints of doubt will mingle with the hues
Of rainbow light, with which it used to paint
The future’s glory—and the Right and Wrong
Will struggle fiercely in the wavering heart,
Like light and shadow ’mid the wreathing folds
Of cloudy columns driven by the storm.