Memoirs of Anne C. L. Botta/Lines to ----

by Anne Lynch Botta

          I thank thee---not for that kind deed alone,
             Though deep within my heart the record lies,
          Engraved with those few pleasant memories,
             That like stray sunbeams on my life have shone:
          I thank thee most for this---that when belief
             In human worth was darkening into doubt,---
          As one by one, I marked with bitter grief
             Those I had reverenced with a faith devout
          Turn recreant back upon their heavenward way
             And sink before me into common clay;
          That thou dost come my faith to reassure,
             My wavering trust in goodness to restore,
          And bid my fainting hope take wing once more.