The Light And Lark

Hangs, stormed with stars, the night, Deep over deep; Each star a point of light In God’s high keep.

In God’s?--Perhaps.--Of such We can not tell, Who shrink--and is it much?-- To say farewell.

There ’tis the dawn and lark: Here ’tis the wail, Sobbed through the ceaseless dark, O’ the nightingale.

But what were all this worth To thee or me, Were there not, after earth, Eternity?

God gives us life to keep.-- And what hath life?-- Love, faith, and care, and sleep, Where dreams are rife.

Death’s sleep! whose shadows start The tears in eyes Of Love, who breaks his heart, Despairs and dies.

And faith is never given Without some care, Perhaps that leads to Heaven By ways of prayer.

The nightingale and dark He gives us here:-- Oh, for the light and lark Eternal there!