There seemed an answer given By one unseen, who whispered thus: Oh, blessed comfort! I could stretch And know that, 'mid the billows' roar, "O Father, if my grave this night The day dawned slowly, as had passed And tidings came, at last, of hope- A boat was lowered, the captain's child "Are you not coming, father?" "No, "I cannot leave my ship, for to My trust I must be true." "Then, take me, take me back again, "But, darling, you must understand I watched them as we steered away; It was a lesson to my soul, That simple trust of youth; That I should cling with childlike trust For He this promise makes, who ne'er That He His own will never leave, Thus would I trust Him to the end, Upon life's stormy sea. I know I cannot but be safe, He will abide with me. Nor was the child's young faith belied, She did not trust in vain. The storm was hushed; the tempest ceased To strive upon the main. And ere went out, far in the west, The sunset's latest ray, The gallant captain, and his ship, And a pale face looked up at his, "If I had left you, father, then, With others on the sea." The father raised his hand, and dashed Aside a falling tear; "Yes, child, had you not trusted then, You had not now been here." Oh, brother, is our Father, God, And gathered from blossoming hedgerows, Many flowers they had strung together But, tiring soon of this pastime, The garlands their hands had woven 'Neath the sheltering trees they rested, But none of the many who passed them Hiding beneath the elm-trees From the noonday sun's bright glare; From the road, and smiling called them, "Are you tired so soon of your play?" "Now, suppose, little children, I'd something On the heights that front the sea?" With eager clamour the children That their stranger friend had brought. A vase of white alabaster, Lovely in shape and hue, And he held it up before them |