Andrew Macphail, comp. The Book of Sorrow. 1916.
To a FriendWilliam Caldwell Roscoe (18231859)
S
Medicines with bitter anguish of the tomb,
Cease to oppress the portals of the grave,
And strain thy aching sight across the gloom.
The surged Atlantic’s winter-beaten wave
Shall sooner pierce the purpose of the wind
Than thy storm-tossed and heavy-swelling mind
Grasp the full import of His means to save.
Through the dark night lie still; God’s faithful grace
Lies hid, like morning, underneath the sea.
Let thy slow hours roll, like these weary stars,
Down to the level ocean patiently;
Till His loved hand shall touch the Eastern bars,
And His full glory shine upon thy face.