Poems (Procter)/If Thou couldst know

by Adelaide Anne Procter

IF THOU COULDST KNOW.

THINK if thou couldst know, O soul that will complain,What lies concealed below Our burden and our pain;How just our anguish bringsNearer those longed for thingsWe seek for now in vain,—I think thou wouldst rejoice, and not complain.

I think if thou couldst see, With thy dim mortal sight,How meanings, dark to thee, Are shadows hiding light;Truth's efforts crossed and vexed,Life's purpose all perplexed,—If thou couldst see them right,I think that they would seem all clear, and wise, and bright.

And yet thou canst not know, And yet thou canst not see;Wisdom and sight are slow In poor humanity. If thou couldst trust, poor soul,In Him who rules the whole,Thou wouldst find peace and rest:Wisdom and sight are well, but Trust is best.