But while they sympathize sincerely with those who sorrow, they believe that "behind a frowning providence God hides a smiling face," and that, the strife ended, Cuba will rise again from her ashes, purified and regenerated; for it is written that "they who sow in tears shall reap in joy"!
THORNS.
HOMAGE TO THE CROSS, GOOD-FRIDAY, 1870.
Here his head rested,
Crimsoned with blood;
Jesus' hard slumber-place,
Pillow of wood!
Here his eye clouded;
Dwell there, my gaze,
Where the dear light of love
Dyingly plays!
Here the nails rankled;
There the lance tore,
While strove the water-tide
Vainly with gore!
Here the heart agonized,
Hid from the glance;
Pierced with ingratitude
Worse than the lance!
Here his soul parted—
Break not, my heart!
Oh! what a deadly hurt,
Sinning, thou art.
Here the feet turn to thee;
Press them, my lips!
While a love-agony
Through my heart creeps!
Richard Storrs Willis.