I know as my life grows older,
    And mine eyes have clearer sight,
That under each rank wrong, somewhere
    There lies the root of Right ;
That such sorrow has its purpose,
    By the sorrowing oft unguessed,
But as sure as the sun brings morning,
    Whatever is--is best.

I know that each sinful action,
    As sure as the night brings shade,
Is somewhere, some time punished,
    Tho' the hour be long delayed.
I know that the soul is aided
    Sometimes by the heart's unrest,
And to grow means often to suffer--
    But whatever is--is best.

I know there are no errors
    In the great eternal plan,
And all things work together
    For the final good of man.
And I know when my soul speeds onward
    In its grand Eternal quest,
I shall say as I look back earthware
    Whatever is--is best.                                 --Ella Wheeler Wilcox.