Poems (Stephens)/Trials
For works with similar titles, see Trials.
TRIALS.
The way is lonely; friends we loved, The friends who made our journey bright Have suffered, and have passed beyond The farthest range of mortal sight.
Our paths are rough, and we forlorn Have sought for aid on every side; But when misfortune's torrent sweeps, Neglect will surely swell the tide.
And we have toiled with all our strength For what we've seen our fellows gain; To them it came unsought, unasked, But all our patient toil was vain.
In sickness and in sore distress We've found that sympathy was rare; Companions asked why should we fret, For we the common lot must share.
And so it is; why should we fret At sickness, sorrow, pain or loss, Since none can hope to win a crown Who faint and falter 'neath a cross.