Straight through my heart this fact to-day,
    By Truth's own hand is driven:
God never takes one thing away,
    But something else is given.

I did not know in earlier years,
    This law of love and kindness;
I only mourned through bitter tears
    My loss, in sorrow's blindness.

But, ever following each regret
    O'er some departed treasure,
My sad repining heart was met
    With unexpected pleasure.

I thought it only happened so;
    But Time this truth has taught me---
No least thing from my life can go,
    But something else is brought me.

It is the Law, complete, sublime;
    And now with Faith unshaken,
In patience I but bide my time.
    When any joy is taken.

No matter if the crushing blow
    May for the moment down me,
Still, behind it waits Love, I know,
    With some new gift to crown me.