Compensation

Compensation

Let us say be cheerful,

Whatsoe'er betide:

Life is not all tearful—

There's a sunny side.

Vernal zephyr's banish

Winter's frosts afar;

Midnight's specters vanish

With the morning star.

Every deep depression,

With its chills and blights,

Has a compensation

In the neighboring heights.

Birds of plumage plainest

Lift the sweetest song;

Pangs that rack the keenest

Seldom tarry long.

Oft the richest uses

Come from humblest things,

As the marsh produces

Tribes of brilliant wings.

Larks, at Heaven's gate singing,

Nestle in the corn:

Mountains, proudly springing,

Were in valleys born.

Churn'd from ocean-chamber,

'Mid the tempest roar,

See the precious amber

Thrown upon the shore!

So each stormy trial

Yields us fruits of good,

Wisdom, self-denial,

Strength, and fortitude.

Ravens once did eater

To Elijah's need,

And a fish for Peter

Tribute money paid.

There's a charming story,

How the widow's cruse,

Blessed by prophet hoary,

Poured an overplus.

Thorniest afflictions

Sharper might have been;

Healing benedictions

Mitigate the pain.

See the ark rise higher

With the swelling flood.

Ever drawing nigher

To the Mount of God!

'Tis a sight of beauty

When a noble heart

Bravely does its duty,

Though each fibre smart.

Courage, faith, and patience,

Principles divine,

In the worst vexations

Like the rainbow shine.

Unattributed

1:50, p. 1

6.30.1860