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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IF THOU COULDST KNOW by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER

First Line: I THINK IF THOU COULDST KNOW
Last Line: WISDOM AND SIGHT ARE WELL, BUT TRUST IS BEST.
Subject(s): TRUST;

I THINK if thou couldst know,
O soul that will complain,
What lies concealed below
Our burden and our pain;
How just our anguish brings
Nearer those longed-for things
We seek for now in vain, --
I think thou wouldst rejoice, and not complain.

I think if thou couldst see,
With thy dim mortal sight,
How meanings, dark to thee,
Are shadows hiding light;
Truth's efforts crossed and vexed,
Life's purpose all perplexed, --
If thou couldst see them right,
I think that they would seem all clear, and wise, and bright.

And yet thou canst not know,
And yet thou cast not see;
Wisdom and sight are slow
In poor humanity
If thou couldst @3trust@1, poor soul,
In Him who rules the whole,
Thou wouldst find peace and rest:
Wisdom and sight are well, but Trust is best.



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