Page:The songs that Quinte sang.djvu/59

Rh O friend! I own that I was wrong,
 * My hasty judgment now I rue,

You stepped from out that worldly throng
 * To clasp my hand in friendship true.

The memory of that kindly deed
 * Shall ever in my heart be shrined,

For in that hour of sorest need
 * You saved my faith in human kind.

And though God’s hand hath smitten sore,
 * Hath broken this poor heart of mine,

And darkened all that lies before,
 * I will not murmur nor repine.

For had my sun ne’er known eclipse,
 * Had Life’s fair blooms ne’er turned to rue,

Had Sorrow’s cup not pressed my lips,
 * I had not found a friend like you.

Of all I know, ’twas you alone,
 * Who stretched towards me helping hands,

Content to let the fruitless past
 * Be judged by Him who understands.

Your hand had power my steps to stay
 * As unbelief’s dark paths I trod,

And pointed out a better way,
 * The peaceful path that leads to God.