VIA CRUCIS, VIA LUCIS.
(FROM THE GERMAN OF KOSEGARTEN.)
Through gloom to light! And though grey darkness banish
Fair Nature from thy longing eyes,
All's well! all's well! The shadows soon shall vanish,
And bright and clear thy morn shall rise.
Through storm to calm! And if life's lightning flashing,
With thunder's roar, o'erpower thy will,
Faint heart, be brave! Above the billows' crashing
A voice divine cries, "Peace, be still!"
Through frost to spring! Though winter's snowy fleeces
Hide every trace of Nature's store,
All's well! all's well! For when the hoar-frost ceases,
Earth fills her lap with flowers once more.
Through strife to peace! And if fell foes surround thee,
And succour thou implore in vain,
Faint heart, be brave! When vict'ry shall have crowned thee,
Triumph begins its endless reign.
Through toil to rest! And though the midday swelter,
And dull fatigue sap all thy strength,
Faint heart, endure! For eventide brings shelter,
And with it kindly sleep at length.
