The Consolation Poem by Maria Frances Cecilia Cowper

MY span of life will soon be done,
The passing moments say;
As lengthening shadows o'er the mead
Proclaim the close of day.
'Oh that my heart might dwell aloof
'From all created things,'
And learn that wisdom from above,
Whence true contentment springs!

Courage, my soul! thy bitter cross
In every trial here,
Shall bear thee to thy Heaven above,
But shall not enter there.
The sighing-ones, that humbly seek
In sorrowing paths below,
Shall in eternity rejoice,
Where endless comforts flow.

Soon will the toilsome strife be o'er
Of sublunary care,
And life's dull vanities no more
This anxious breast insnare.
Courage, my soul! on God rely;
Deliv'rance soon will come:
A thousand ways has Providence
To bring believers home.

Ere first I drew this vital breath,
From Nature's prison free,
Crosses in number, measure, weight,
Were written, Lord, for me.
But Thou, my shepherd, friend, and guide,
Hast led me kindly on,
Taught me to rest my fainting head
On Christ, the 'corner-stone.'

So comforted and so sustain'd,
With dark events I strove,
And found them, rightly understood,
All messengers of love;
With silent and submissive awe
Ador'd a chastening God;
Rever'd the terrors of his law,
And humbly kiss'd the rod.