Samuel Gray Ward (1817–1907)

CONSOLERS of the solitary hours

When I, a pilgrim, on a lonely shore

Sought help, and found none, save in those high powers

That then I prayed might never leave me more!

There was the blue, eternal sky above,

There was the ocean silent at my feet,

There was the universe—but nought to love;

The universe did its old tale repeat.

Then came ye to me, with your healing wings,

And said, “Thus bare and branchless must thou be,

Ere thou couldst feel the wind from heaven that springs.”

And now again fresh leaves do bud for me,—

Yet let me feel that still the spirit sings

Its quiet song, coming from heaven free.