Poems (Craik)/Now and Afterwards

by Dinah Maria Craik

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!