| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895. |
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| Thy Joy in Sorrow |
| | | Chauncy Hare Townshend (1800–68) |
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| GIVE me thy joy in sorrow, gracious Lord, | |
| And sorrow’s self shall like to joy appear! | |
| Although the world should waver in its sphere | |
| I tremble not if Thou thy peace afford; | |
| But, Thou withdrawn, I am but as a chord | 5 |
| That vibrates to the pulse of hope and fear: | |
| Nor rest I more than harps which to the air | |
| Must answer when we place their tuneful board | |
| Against the blast, which thrill unmeaning woe | |
| Even in their sweetness. So no earthly wing | 10 |
| E’er sweeps me but to sadden. Oh, place Thou | |
| My heart beyond the world’s sad vibrating— | |
| And where but in Thyself? Oh, circle, me, | |
| That I may feel no touches save of Thee. | |
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