133 
Balm. — ‘ Sympathy’ 
There is a charm in human sympathy which all must at some 
period have experienced ; woven in the moment of suffering, its in¬ 
fluence remains unbroken through life. 
Would that the Muse had power to steal, 
Each trace of suffering from thy brow, 
And bid thy heart less keenly feel 
The agony that wrings it now! 
Would that the sympathy of friends might be 
A light to guide — a charm to solace thee! 
Then would thy future glide along, 
Serenely tranquil to the last; 
And still in conscious virtue strong, 
Thy heart forget the mournful past, 
Save, as a trial to that proud heart given, 
Winning thee friends on earth, and hopes of 
Heaven. 
