'Tis the apt scholar that the Master proves,
After each conquest, with a harder task,
Smiling in joy, to see the ardent life
Develop to the perfect thing he loves.
The bramble in the sun may idly bask,
But the rare vine must feel the pruning knife.
After each conquest, with a harder task,
Smiling in joy, to see the ardent life
Develop to the perfect thing he loves.
The bramble in the sun may idly bask,
But the rare vine must feel the pruning knife.
STEADFAST IN COURAGE
The clouds may come, but the clouds must go,
Ever the calm blue stays;—
The day dawn never fails, we know,
Though long the night delays.
Ever the calm blue stays;—
The day dawn never fails, we know,
Though long the night delays.
And if life's burdens weary seem,
There yet are restful hours,
When, lingering by thought's tranquil stream,
We gather fadeless flowers.
There yet are restful hours,
When, lingering by thought's tranquil stream,
We gather fadeless flowers.
Then only speak thy cheer, sweet friend!
Repress all faithless fears;
This world of ours soon would end
Were not more smiles than tears.
Repress all faithless fears;
This world of ours soon would end
Were not more smiles than tears.
The tiniest flower that lifts its cup
For the restoring dew,
Trusts not in vain; oh! then look up
Remembering God is true.
For the restoring dew,
Trusts not in vain; oh! then look up
Remembering God is true.
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