Poems (Van Rensselaer)/When it is Dark
WHEN IT IS DARK
Is the night blackOn the rough slope,Sunless and moonless the steep track?Light flaming stars of hopeUpon the cloud that shadows thee.
Do they burn low?Feed other fire:Let toil's great anvil flare and glow,Let charity aspire,And sacrifice blaze fervently.
Do these grow paleIn the night-damp?When even love and labor fail,Hold high, hold high the lampOf fortitude, and thou shalt see.