I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE.
By Robert Hare
I'LL be with thee, child of sorrows,
With thee, through the changing years,
Bearing burdens that oppress thee,
Chasing doubts, dispelling fears,
Till forever
I can wipe away thy tears. When the tempests round thee gather,
Clouding all the way before,
Harder lean, and through the darkness
I will guide thee safely o'er
Where the surges
Shall assail thy bark no more. When earth's gilded trophies vanish,
And its riches flee away,
I will give thee gold of Heaven,
Gems that never can decay,
All my treasures
Shine throughout eternal day. When the joys of friendship, passing,
Leave thee sad, distressed, alone,
I will cheer thee with a friendship
Changeless as the deep unknown;
For thy sadness
And all pain it will atone. When deserted, weak, and homeless,
Jordan's billows rolling nigh,
'Neath my wings, my arms around thee,
I will guide thee with mine eye
To the resting
In the brighter home on high. New Zealand, August 2, 1888.