Page:A Treasury of South African Poetry.djvu/303

Rh gloom to light! And though grey darkness banish
 * Fair Nature from thy longing eyes,

All's well! all's well! The shadows soon shall vanish,
 * And bright and clear thy morn shall rise.

Through storm to calm! And if life's lightning flashing,
 * With thunder's roar, o'erpower thy will,

Faint heart, be brave! Above the billows' crashing
 * A voice divine cries, "Peace, be still!"

Through frost to spring! Though winter's snowy fleeces
 * Hide every trace of Nature's store,

All's well! all's well! For when the hoar-frost ceases,
 * Earth fills her lap with flowers once more.

Through strife to peace! And if fell foes surround thee,
 * And succour thou implore in vain,

Faint heart, be brave! When vict'ry shall have crowned thee,
 * Triumph begins its endless reign.

Through toil to rest! And though the midday swelter,
 * And dull fatigue sap all thy strength,

Faint heart, endure! For eventide brings shelter,
 * And with it kindly sleep at length.