What if the morn no joy to you shall bring,
No gleam of sunbeam shine across your way;
What if no bird one joyous note shall sing
Into your listening ear through all the day!
What if no word of comfort you shall hear
As through the hours long you toil and strive;
What if to you no vision bright appear
To keep your hungry heart and soul alive!
What if the blest companionship men crave
Come not to you through all the day's long length,
But, bound and fettered even as a slave
Within yourself you have to find your strength!
And if, when you have toiled and wrought alone,
The sweet reward you sought you do not gain,
And find the hoped-for bread is but a stone,
In that sad hour for grief, should you complain?
Ah no! It matters not if shade or sun,
Or good or ill, your efforts shall attend:
In doing you have but your duty done
As best you knew--and should do to the end.
--_Thomas F. Porter._
All is of God that is, or is to be,
And God is good.
--_John G. Whittier._