Classic Poem

In the dull shadows of long hopeless strife
I talked with sorrow—round about me lay
The broken plans and promises of life,—
When first thy Kindness crossed my friendless way.

Then felt I, hushed with wonder and sweet awe,
As with his weary banners round him furled
Felt ocean's wanderer, when first he saw
The pale-lipt billows kissing a new world.

The joy, the rapture of that glad surprise,
Haply some heart may know that inly grieves,
Some sad Ruth bowing from love-speaking eyes
Her trembling bosom over alien sheaves.