Jump to content

Page:Poems Emma M. Ballard Bell.djvu/61

From Wikisource
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITV
55
I light man's checkered pathway. When at lastLife's race is nobly run, and earthly scenesDepart, I point him onward to a worldOf blissful immortality beyond."She ceased, and Charity, with voice unlikeThe buoyant tones of her bright sister Hope,With thrilling cadence spoke harmonious,Like sweetest seraph strains from heaven-land:—"My gentle scepter silently I swayO'er those who bid me dwell within their hearts.'Neath my sweet influence man's soul grows strongTo bear with cheerfulness life's daily cross.The hearts of men with Love's enduring chainI gently bind, thus linking earth to heav'n.""Oh, then," I said, when Charity had ceased,"Sweet beings, come and dwell with me, and beMy guardian angels. Then, whate'er betide,Though earthly friends depart, and cherished hopesForever fade away, I shall be blest."