The worker

The night lay o'er the city,

The rain and winds made moan;

The worker in his garrett

With nought of earth to praise him,

No earthly love to bless;

But there was one in Heaven

Still cheered his loneliness.

Courage, true heart, courage!

She waiteth beyond the sun

To welcome thee to Heaven

When thy brave work is done.

Far on the hills of Heaven

An angel watching leant

With glad eyes earthward bent,

And whispered thro' the quiet,

'I come to thee anon.

Toil on, O my beloved,

Thy work is well nigh done.'

A few more nights of labour,

Of struggling bravely on,

And then God sent the angel.

The worker's work was done.

Cold lay the lifeless body

Within that cheerless place,

A smile of peaceful trusting

Upon the poor thin face.

But from the lonely garrett,

Unseen of mortal sight,

Two angels happy-hearted

Passed into Heaven that night!

Two angels happy-hearted

Passed into Heaven that night!