8o Hours of the Night

O God, what a shaft of anguish Was that dying voice from the tree ! —

From Him the only spotiess, — " Why hast Thou forsaken me ? "

And was he of God forsaken ?

They ask, appalled with dread ; Is evil crowned and triumphant.

And goodness vanquished and dead ?

Is there, then, no God in Jacob ?

Is the star of Judah dim ? For who would our God deliver.

If he would not deliver him ?

If God could not deliver, — what hope then?

If he would not, — who ever shall dare To be firm in his service hereafter ?

To trust in his wisdom or care ?

I