Poems (Smith)/The Lady at the Ball
THE LADY AT THE BALL.
Reflections at the Grand Union Ball, Saratoga, 1879.
Dear lady, amid the festive scenes to-night, Thoughts come o'er me while I write: When looking upon thee smiling with glee, I thought thou must so happy be; Never dreaming thy heart ached so within, Caused by another's terrible sin.
While listening to thy tale of woe, It touched my heart with sadness so. This life is but a passing dream; We smile at its follies, and happy seem; But the aching heart God sees within; We would live our lives all free from sin.
God afflicts those He loves, we know not why: It will all be revealed after we die. Oft we may weep and draw the deep sigh: Little the world knoweth how bitter the cry Goeth up to our God in heart-stricken woe, While sorrows oppress as through life we go. Our griefs will be over when this life is past, If we are faithful our reward comes at last.