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POEMS.
THE BROKEN WHEEL.
Patience, poor heart! To-night thou shalt have rest—
Rest, that I buy thee at the price of life.
Let those with strength and courage stand the test,
Here will I end the strife.

Time's haggard eyes hold many tears like me,
Not worth God's smile in life—much less his frown—
If, by its weight of wretchedness set free,
One heavy tear drop down.

Call you it sin, O seekers after Truth—
Sin, that I enter at Death's open door?
So be it. I was worthless from my youth:
What matters one sin more?

But if my faults were great, my hopes were few:
Who can do battle with a breaking heart?
I have deserted from the ranks, and you
Will take no rebel's part.