The sunshine and the shadow—alternately they flow
Across the fields of ether, across our hearts below;
The gloom and glory blending in beauty manifold,
The mists of morning ending in evening’s gates of gold.
Forever and forever our human lives are so—
The sunshine and the shadow, alternate weal and woe;
Perpetually ascending, earth’s mingled mirth and moan,—
But lo! above us bending, the rainbow round the throne!
Hold fast the heavenly vision; this hope thy soul sustain—
All things shall work together for thy eternal gain;
The mystery of sorrow, the mystery of pain,
Shall sure, some happy morrow, to every heart be plain.