CONSOLATION.
67
One saith, "Be comforted, for thus how many say with dawn
"Would God that it were eve!' at eve,'Would God that it were morn!'"
But then more noble in its woe spake out the grieving heart,"
Nay! rather would I all were blest and bear alone my smart."
"Would God that it were eve!' at eve,'Would God that it were morn!'"
But then more noble in its woe spake out the grieving heart,"
Nay! rather would I all were blest and bear alone my smart."
"And yet," saith one, "be comforted, for grieving is a sin.
Thy tears may[1] stain Heaven's goodly floors yet there be trodden in;
This is a grief that Heaven hath sent, a grief that thou must bear,"—
And Patience smiled so cold, so cold, I took her for Despair!
Thy tears may[1] stain Heaven's goodly floors yet there be trodden in;
This is a grief that Heaven hath sent, a grief that thou must bear,"—
And Patience smiled so cold, so cold, I took her for Despair!
Yet these were simple reasoners; I said, "I will arise,
T will seek out counsel from the sage and wisdom from the wise;
They shall show me of their merchandise who trade for hidden things,
Who go down to the heart's great deep to track its secret springs.
T will seek out counsel from the sage and wisdom from the wise;
They shall show me of their merchandise who trade for hidden things,
Who go down to the heart's great deep to track its secret springs.
Then with calm brow, one answered me in measured tones and brief,
That we are stronger through our pain, and nobler for our grief,
That we are stronger through our pain, and nobler for our grief,
- ↑ Malachi ii. 13.
