Faith, Hope, and Charity.
“ Thy mother’s spirit, O my child,1
Unto its God will soon have flown,2
And thou wilt in the world run wild,3
Friendless, forsaken, and alone.”4
“ Hold !” softly whispered at her ear5
An angel’s voice, “ Confide in me,6
I will thy orphan daughter rear.”7
“ Thy name ?” “ They call me Charity.”8
“ Bless thee ; but say, who will inspire9
Her soul unto its God to turn,10
Who will direct her with what fire11
A holy bosom ought to burn ?”12
“ I, who now cheer thy dying bed,”13
Another voice angelic saith ;14
“ By me thy daughter shall be led15
To know her God ;— my name is Faith.”16
“ But should she be by woe opprest,17
In spite of all thy guardian care,18
Who will bring courage to her breast,19
And drive away from thence despair ?”20
Again was heard a seraph’s voice,—21
“ Who gave thee fainting power to cope22
With every worldly ill ? rejoice,23
Thou dying Christian, I am Hope.”24