100

 100. Vexations   EACH trial has its weight; which, whoso bears  Knows his own woe, and need of succouring     grace;  The martyr's hope half wipes away the trace  Of flowing blood; the while life's humblest cares Smart more, because they hold in Holy Writ no     place.   This be my comfort, in these days of grief,  Which is not Christ's, nor forms heroic     tale.  Apart from Him, if not a sparrow fail,  May not He pitying view, and send relief When foes or friends perplex, and peevish thoughts     prevail?   Then keep good heart, nor take the niggard     course  Of Thomas, who must see ere he would trust.  Faith will fill up God's word, not poorly just  To the bare letter, heedless of its force, But walking by its light amid earth's sun and dust.

   Off Sardinia .  June 21, 1833.