MY POEM ON "THREE LESSONS"

There are three lessons I would write,
Three words, as with a golden pen,
In tracings of eternal light,
Upon the hearts of men.

Have hope! Though clouds environ round,
And gladness hides her face in scorn,
Put thou the shadow from thy brow;
No night but has its morn.

Have faith! Where 'er thy bark is driven,
The calm's disport, the tempest's mirth.

Know this: God rules the hosts of heaven,
The inhabitants of earth.

Have love! Not love alone for one,
But man as man thy brother call,
And scatter, like the circling sun,
Thy charities on all.

Thus grave these words upon thy soul:
Hope, faith, and love. And thou shalt find,
Strength when life's surges maddest roll,
Light when thou else were blind.