And shone like some fair missal’s page, with hymns

And promises illumined.

One there was

Among the restless souls beneath its glow,

For whom the heavenly message was not writ;

For whom no sunset gleamed, nor morning dawned.

Oft had he listened to the merry shout

And laughter of the children at their sports,

But ne’er had looked upon their sparkling eyes.

Alone, he walked in darkness through a life