AGE AFTER AGE, hast Thou, O Lord, sent Thy messengers into this pitiless world, who have left their word: 'Forgive all. Love all. Cleanse your hearts from the blood-red stains of hatred.' Adorable are they, ever to be remembered; yet from the outer door have I turned them away to-day-this evil daywith unmeaning salutation. Have I not seen secret malignance strike down the helpless under the cover of hypocritical night? Have I not heard the silenced voice of Justice weeping in solitude at might's defiant outrages? Have I not seen in what agony reckless youth, running mad, has vainly shattered its life against insensitive rocks? Choked is my voice, mute are my songs to-day, and darkly my world lies imprisoned in a dismal dream; and I ask Thee, O Lord, in tears: 'Hast Thou Thyself forgiven, hast even Thou loved those who are poisoning Thy air, and blotting out Thy light?'
DELIVER ME from my own shadows, my lord, from the wrecks and confusion of my days. For the night is dark and thy pilgrim is blinded, Hold thou my hand. Deliver me from despair. Touch with thy flame the lightless lamp of my sorrow. Waken my tired strength from its sleep. Do not let me linger behind counting my losses. Let the road sing to me of the house at every Step. For the night is dark, and thy pilgrim is blinded. Hold thou my hand.
