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on the black abysses of the night
 * My little candle throws a trembling beam,
 * At first too faint and feeble it would seem

To give security to straining sight; But presently we see its tiny light
 * Across the perilous pathway sends a gleam
 * That pierces through the darkness vast, supreme,

And step by step we find our way aright.

So in the vast and limitless unknown,
 * That wraps us with its fearful night around,

At first the beam by faith or knowledge thrown
 * Seems but to make the darkness more profound,

But presently one step ahead is shown—
 * Enough to prove that it is solid ground.