Love’S Doubt

DOUBT, Hope, and Fear, all day within my breast Have clanged in cruel war where none prevail, Though their fierce cries have rent the sacred veil, When in Love’s sanctuary I sought to rest.

Since brazen morn awoke this wild alarm So have they striven long with clashing swords Of two edged thought—since fell the words Upon my soul from herald lips of harm;

Whose message strange a fiery hand imprest In charact’ry that burns my mazèd sight: Yet loud with iron hands they tear and smite, But through the cloud of strife I see Hope’s crest Rise loftier, and his voice above the rest Grows calm and clearer with the falling night.