Poems (Craik)/Now and Afterwards
NOW AND AFTERWARDS.
"Two hands upon the breast and labor is past." Russian Proverb.
WO hands upon the breast, And labor 's done; Two pale feet crossed in rest— The race is won; Two eyes with coin-weights shut, And all tears cease; Two lips where grief is mute, Anger at peace";— So pray we oftentimes, mourning our lot God in his kindness answereth not. "Two hands to work addrest Aye for His praise; Two feet that never rest Walking His ways; Two eyes that look above Through all their tears; Two lips still breathing love, Not wrath, nor fears"; So pray we afterwards, low on our knees; Pardon those erring prayers! Father, hear these!