Sets in the bleakening waters of my soul:

One step, and lo! the Cross stands gaunt and long

'Twixt me and yet bright skies, a presaged dole.

Even so, O Cross! thine is the victory.

Thy roots are fast within our fairest fields;

Brightness may emanate in Heaven from thee,

Here thy dread symbol only shadow yields.

Of reap-ed joys thou art the heavy sheaf