100. Vexations
{171}
EACH trial has its weight; which, whoso
bears
Knows his own woe,
and need of succouring
grace;
The martyr's hope half wipes
away the trace
Of flowing blood; the while life's humblest
cares
Smart more, because they hold in Holy Writ no
place.
This be my comfort, in these days of grief,
Which is not Christ's,
nor forms heroic
tale.
Apart from Him, if
not a sparrow fail,
May not He pitying view, and send relief
When foes or friends perplex, and peevish thoughts
prevail? {172}
Then keep good heart, nor take the niggard
course
Of Thomas, who must see ere
he would trust.
Faith will fill up God's
word, not poorly just
To the bare letter, heedless of its force,
But walking by its light amid earth's sun and dust.
Off Sardinia
.
June 21, 1833.