AFTERWARD.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 471, 14 May 1890, Page 8

AFTERWARD.

The path was I'ng, but when he reached the end, The object of his quest, a grave was there, The nruve of one who was his dearest friend, Whose lov n; thought had lightened every care. The two together long had journed hero, And borne each others burdens day by day. Shared every joy, and many a hope and fear; Nor dreamed they of “ the parting of the way.” They came almost unconscious to that hour, They thought their prayer a loving God must hear ; That in the fullness of His grace and power, He won cl spare each to each for many a year. And so, when the dark shadow fell at last And one went on,God holding by the hand, And one turned back to ljye but in the past, Grieving because he could fiot understand. There hung a pij.ll upon his earth and sky, He was so desolate and heaven so far, But, afterward, the Comforter drew nigh ; And his worn soul beyond its prison bar Saw. as in vision, the dear friond he wept Bested and comforted b.efore the tbrono. No weariness again, no vigils kept ; There pain and death and sorrow are unknown. Was he resigned to bear this bitter loss, Since she was spared earth’s sorrow and its pain ? Yes; for love’s sake he took his heavy cross, Thinking each day how precious was her gain. He could not know why they must part so soon ; He must not doubt or question God’s dear will. And so he asked of Him that one great boon, The sweet submission that could trust Hirq still.