Strength for this fiery war
  That we call Life.
Fears gather thickly round;
  Shadowy foes,
Like unto armed men,
  Around me close.
What am I, frail and poor,
  When griefs arise?
No help from the weak earth,
  Or the cold skies.
Lo! I can find no guards,
  No weapons borrow;
Shrinking, alone I stand,
  With mighty sorrow.
Courage, thou trembling soul,
  Grief thou must bear,
Yet thou canst find a strength
  Will match despair;
Within thy Saviour's Heart—
  Seek for it there.

What wouldst thou have, sad soul,
  Oppressed with grief?—
Comfort: I seek in vain,
  Nor find relief.
Nature, all pitiless,
  Smiles on my pain;
I ask my fellow-men,
  They give disdain.
I asked the babbling streams,
  But they flowed on;
I asked the wise and good,
  But they gave none.