I called two Spirits from before God's throne,
"What wilt thou give me, Life?" I asked of one,
Whose presence seemed half shadow and half sun.
"I'll give thee hours of joy, bright hours, glowing
With the hot sun of love, sweet hours, flowing
Calmly away in holy unity,
With little children praying at thy knee,
And thy beloved blessing them and thee!
And hours of sorrow—sorrow for the loss
Of friends and kindred, or the heavier cross
Of children snatched in all their infant charms
From the frail haven of a mother's arms;