Page:Poems Cook.djvu/146

When watching those we love and prize
 Till all of life and hope be fled;
When we have gazed on sightless eyes,
 And gently stay'd the falling head:
Then what can soothe the stricken heart,
 What solace overcome despair;
What earthly breathing can impart
 Such healing balm as lonely prayer?

When fears and perils thicken fast,
 And many dangers gather round;
When human aid is vain and past,
 No mortal refuge to be found;
Then can we firmly lean on Heaven,
 And gather strength to meet and bear:
No matter where the storm has driven,
 A saving anchor lives in prayer.

Oh, God! how beautiful the thought,
 How merciful the bless'd decree,
That grace can e'er be found when sought,
 And naught shut out the soul from Thee.
The cell may cramp, the fetters gall,
 The flame may scorch, the rack may tear;
But torture-stake, or prison wall,
 Can be endured with Faith and Prayer.

In desert wilds, in midnight gloom;
 In grateful joy, in trying pain;
In laughing youth, or nigh the tomb,
 Oh! when is prayer unheard or vain?
The Infinite, the King of kings,
 Will never heed the when or where;
He'll ne'er reject the heart that brings
 The offering of fervent prayer.

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