Page:The songs that Quinte sang.djvu/59

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O friend! I own that I was wrong,
My hasty judgment now I rue,
You stepped from out that worldly throng
To clasp my hand in friendship true.

The memory of that kindly deed
Shall ever in my heart be shrined,
For in that hour of sorest need
You saved my faith in human kind.

And though God’s hand hath smitten sore,
Hath broken this poor heart of mine,
And darkened all that lies before,
I will not murmur nor repine.

For had my sun ne’er known eclipse,
Had Life’s fair blooms ne’er turned to rue,
Had Sorrow’s cup not pressed my lips,
I had not found a friend like you.

Of all I know, ’twas you alone,
Who stretched towards me helping hands,
Content to let the fruitless past
Be judged by Him who understands.

Your hand had power my steps to stay
As unbelief’s dark paths I trod,
And pointed out a better way,
The peaceful path that leads to God.