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Clouds, dark o'ershadowing, veil the cheerful skies,
And gloom brood o'er thy path; though round thy steps
Perils thick-clustering wait; though cares oppress,
And each day hath its strifes, and Sorrow pours
From her exhaustless flagon for thy lips
Full cups of bitterness; though life's best joys
Seem half to lose their sweetness, and no more
Enkindle keen desire, nor yield delight
To the tired sense, worn with the round of years;
Still be thou calm! Be strong and falter not!
Teach thy chafed spirit, that, in weariness,
Pants for her rest and longs for wings to soar
To kinder skies beyond this land of storms,
Her restless thoughts to stay; and in the strength
Of Hope, that, like the needle, trembling oft,
Is steadfast still, to wait the coming hour
When she well pleased the mystery shall read
Of earth's stern disciplines. Then on thine eyes,
Beaming with life immortal, full shall break
The wonders hidden long. Then Love Divine