Three Angels.
They say this life is barren, drear, and cold,1
Ever the same sad song was sung of old,2
Ever the same long weary tale is told.3
And to our lips is held the cup of strife,4
And yet—a little love can sweeten life.5
They say our hands may grasp but joys destroyed.6
Youth has but dreams, and age an aching void,7
Whose Dead-sea fruit long, long ago has cloyed,8
Whose night with wild tempestuous storms is rife—9
And yet a little hope can brighten life.10
They say we fling ourselves in wild despair11
Amidst the broken treasures scattered there,12
Where all is wrecked, where all once promised fair ;13
And stab ourselves with sorrow’s two-edged knife—14
And yet a little patience strengthens life.15
Is it then true, this tale of bitter grief,16
Of mortal anguish finding no relief ?17
Lo ! midst the Winter shines the Laurel’s leaf :18
Three Angels share the lot of human strife,19
Three Angels glorify the path of life.20
Love, Hope, and Patience cheer us on our way,21
Love, Hope, and Patience form our spirit’s stay,22
Love, Hope, and Patience watch us day by day,23
And bid the desert bloom with beauty vernal,24
Until the Earthly fades in the Eternal.25