When in the sky no promise may be seen,

Fall to refresh a parched and withered land?

Or shall the groaning Spirit cast her load

At the Redeemer's feet?"

In rueful tone,

With some impatience in his mien, he spake:

Back to my mind rushed all that had been urged

To calm the Sufferer when his story closed;

I looked for counsel as unbending now;

But a discriminating sympathy