Poem by Horatius Bonar — For A Night

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.   Psalm 30:5

‘Tis first the true, and then the beautiful

Not first the beautiful and then the true.

First the wild moor, with rock and fen and pool

Then the gay garden rich in scent and hue .

Not first the glad and then the sorrowful

But first the sorrowful and then the glad,

Tears for a day, for earth of tears is full,

Then we forget that we were ever sad.

Not first the bright and after that the dark,

But first the dark and after that the bright;

First the thick cloud, and then the rainbow’s arc,

First the dark grave, then resurrection light.

‘Tis first the night, stern night of storm and war

Long night of heavy clouds and veiled skies,

Then the far sparkle of the Morning Star

That bids the saints awake and dawn arise."