Verse: Friend Sorrow

Do not cheat thy Heart and tell her, "Grief will pass away, Hope for fairer times in future, And forget to-day."-- Tell her, if you will, that sorrow Need not come in vain; Tell her that the lesson taught her Far outweighs the pain.

Cheat her not with the old comfort, "Soon she will forget"-- Bitter truth, alas--but matter Rather for regret; Bid her not "Seek other pleasures, Turn to other things:"-- Rather nurse her caged sorrow 'Till the captive sings.

Rather bid her go forth bravely. And the stranger greet; Not as foe, with spear and buckler, But as dear friends meet; Bid her with a strong clasp hold her, By her dusky wings-- Listening for the murmured blessing Sorrow always brings.