OH! what a thing is health to lose,
And what a prize to gain,
Most valued when the spirit woos
Its coming back again.
After long days and restless nights,
Reclined on weary bed,
How sweet when first its blessing lights
Upon the aching head.
Its coming turns the life, as doth
The ocean with its tide,
Or as the spring renews the growth
Of what Earth's stores provide.
Power, fame, and with them cherished gold,
That form man's constant aim,
All would be gladly overtold
Its halcyon bliss to claim.
It passes life and death between,
From heaven's own portals borne,
Like the sweet under-light scarce seen
That parts the night from morn.
An emblem of the peace that springs,
To chase away all strife,
An earnest of the grace, that brings
Life to the inner life.