Мария Джейн Джюсбери (Maria Jane Jewsbury)

The Returning Wanderer

     Jeremiah xxi. 9.

YES the depth of gloom is over,
Light is breaking on my soul,
And the long benighted rover,
Faintly views the promised goal:
Though 'tis but a dawning light,
Rises on my inward sight,
Yet it bids me hope for more,
Tells me that the night is o'er.
Brighter rays will follow fast,
On these dim and troubled skies,
Till the sun himself, at last,
Shall in glorious strength arise;
Then will shadows flee away,
Then appear the perfect day,
Then the face of heaven and earth
Shine in renovated mirth.
Of the land around me spread,
Little though as yet I see,
Know not what to hope or dread,
What to follow, what to flee;
Soon, I trust, the rising day
Will reveal that narrow way,
Which before the pilgrim lies,
Who would travel to the skies.
Though I have a foe within,
Ever seeking for my life;
Though I have a prize to win,
Win, by watching prayer and strife;
Though I hear the battle sound,
And have not my armour found,
Feel alike in word and deed,
Powerless in the hour of need:

Yet I trust the hand of grace,
Soon will gird me for the fight,
Wing my spirit for the race,
Grant the panoply of light.
Then no more of death afraid,
I shall conquer by that aid,
Run the course before me set.
Nor forbidden paths regret.
Saviour! though I love not thee
With the love thy followers feel,
Saviour, even unto me
Somewhat of thyself reveal;
Hast thou not a blessing left,
Meet for one of all bereft?
Fainting at thy feet I lie,
Saviour bless me or I die.