_Blind Sorrow_

One bitter time of mourning, I remember, When day, and night, my sad heart did complain, My life, I said, was one cold, bleak December, And all its pleasures, were but whited pain.

Nothing could rouse me from my sullen sorrow, Because you were not near, I would not smile. And from a score of joys refused to borrow One ray of light, to gild the weary while.

But all the blessing God has given, scorning, I wept because we were so far apart, And spent my time in idle, aimless mourning, That only kept the grief fresh in my heart--

God pity me! I know now we were nearer. With all these intervening miles of space-- That life was sweeter, and the future dearer. Than when to-day I met you, face to face!

God meant to break it gently--ease my anguish, But I rebelled, and caviled at His will. Now, seeing His great wisdom, though I languish, In bitter pain, I trust His mercy still.