Sonnet

Addressed to Sir Moses Montefiore, Dec. 10, 1878.

IF Patriarchal days alone were thine—

Though we might well adore the mighty Hand

Which oft has led thee in the Promised Land

To trace the glories of thine earlier line,

Thou faithful servant of that Lord Divine

Which tends like Shepherd true the minished band

Of Israel—though such life in wisdom planned

Might well our hearts to wondering faith incline,

Now wonder yields to high and hallowing thought

That faith alone could lead thine onward way

And teach our souls with earthly cares distraught

To follow through the gloom that brightening ray

Which leads thee, now thine earthly work is wrought,

Leaning on God, to wait the coming day.