When  disappointments  come,  or  one,  perchance,

has  some
Misfortune  he  must  bear;  when  sorely  tried

with  care,
And  when  the  world  seems  cold,  Hope  comes

with  joys  untold !

Before  her  shrine  we  11  pay  our  homage  —  day
by  day.
But  when   clouds   intervene,   or  shadows  steal

between
Man    and    fond    Hope,    Love    sits    near    with

radiant  light,  to  cheer

[12]


AND  OTHER  POEMS


The  heart,  which  seems  congealed  by  sorrow,  un-

revealed

To  other  eyes,  perhaps,  when  grief  the  life-
blood  saps.
0  Love,  thou  art  a  boon  to  all  mankind ;  for  soon
Life's  dusk  would  deepen  into  night  without

thee;  tho'  thy  light

At  times  seems  but  to  lure,  'twill  brighten,  re
assure,

Lead  on  and  help  us  meet  both  victory  and
defeat.
THE  STAB  OF  GOLD


To  Mother

OF  bygone  days  I'm  thinking
And  a  tender  glowing  light
Centers  around  a  hearthstone,

Like  clustering  stars  of  night,
And  reflects  my  mother's  figure

In  her  old  accustomed  place.
I  can  feel  her  gentle  presence

As  though  we  were  face  to  face.
She  seems  to  be  reading  a  letter

From  some  one  who  is  dear,
For,  falling  upon  the  paper

Is  a  sympathetic  tear.
Yes,  the  missive  is  from  a  loved  one

Who  tells  of  a  grief  all  her  own ;
And  mother's  quick  thought  sends  answer,

"Dear  child,  you  are  not  alone;
Let  me  help  you  bear  the  burden

As  I  Ve  done  many  times  before. ' '
And  rising,  she  enters  her  chamber,

Then  softly  closes  the  door.
