LIFE.

In every life there is a stream Whose waters flow, Dark as the current of a dream, And seem to throw On cup and hall and summer beam A sign of wo! In every life there is a ray That shineth still, From noon to night and night to day, Through every ill; And serves to light our solemn way Go where we will. Oh, traveler! of that stream beware Which cannot glow; It floweth only where a snare Is lying low, To deal upon thee unaware A fatal blow. Oh, traveler! seek that gentle ray Which constant gleams, So beautiful that none can say Like what it seems; The star predestined on thy way To throw its beams. For in that stream of leafless shade A fiend is hid; And on thy fall his heart is laid, Thy fall amid The sinner's shriek and shroud and spade And coffin-lid. And in that ray so pure and bright A buoyant form, Will bear thee through the darkest night Away from harm; Swift as the rainbow's graceful flight Out of the storm. Let fate be stern—let fortune fly— Their chastening rod Strikes not the soul whose strength is high Above its clod; Thy heart may bleed to breaking nigh— But trust in God!