GUERDON.

Upon the white cheek of the Cherub Year

I saw a tear.

Alas! I murmured, that the Year should borrow

So soon a sorrow.

Just then the sunlight fell with sudden flame:

The tear became

A wond'rous diamond sparkling in the light —

A beauteous sight.

Upon my soul there fell such woeful loss,

I said, “The Cross

Is grievous for a life as young as mine.”

Just then, like wine,

God's sunlight shone from His high Heavens down;

And lo! a crown

Gleamed in the place of what I thought a burden —

My sorrow's guerdon.