SUNSHINE ON THE HILL

In the low-land where the shadows Gather at the close of day; When the sky in all its beauty Turns from blue to sombre grey,— Voices of the day are ceasing, Plaintively the night-birds trill,— In the distance, like a halo— Lo! the sun shines on the hill! When, like Wings of Night unfolded Sorrow casts its chilling shade; Causing all our joy to vanish And our cherished hopes to fade— When Oppression’s hand shall smite us With a wrath that bodeth ill— Look beyond the vale’s dark shadows To the sunshine on the hill! Like a whispered benediction From the Realm of Light, so blest; Steals those sacred words, in accents Sweet: “And I will give thee rest.”— Would we feel that peace and comfort In our drooping hearts instill,— Look beyond Life’s fitful shadows To the Sunshine on the Hill.