1 Through all the long dark night of years
The people’s cry ascendeth,
And earth is wet with blood and tears,
But our meek sufferance endeth.
We are driven back, for our next fray,
A newer strength to borrow,
And where the vanguard camps today,
The rear shall rest tomorrow.
2 Though hearts brood o’er the past, our eyes
With smiling futures glisten;
For lo, our day bursts up the skies —
Lean out your souls and listen!
The world is rolling freedom’s way
And ripening with her sorrow.
Take heart! who bears the cross today
Shall wear the crown tomorrow.
3 Build up heroic lives, and all
Be like a sheathen saber,
Ready to flash out at God’s call,
O chivalry of labor!
Triumph and toil are twins, though they
Be singly born in sorrow;
And ’tis the martyrdom today
Brings victory tomorrow.
Source: The Cyber Hymnal #16937
Massey, Gerald, was b. May 29, 1828, in the parish of Tring, Herts, was for some time on the staff of the London Atherneum, and frequently contributed to the Quarterly Review. He has published many volumes of poems. The following have been used as hymns:—
1. Jerusalem the golden! I languish for one gleam. [Heaven.] In the Sunday Magazine, May 1865, p. 7. In his Tale of Eternity, 1870, p. 235, it reads "I weary for."
2. Surrounded by unnumbered foes. [Christian Courage.] In his Tale of Eternity, 1870, p. 272.
3. There lives a voice within me. [God's Voice.] In his Ballad of Babe Christabel, 1854, p. 32, entitled "This world is full of beauty."
Mr. Massey died at South Norwood, London, Oct. 29,1907.… Go to person page >
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