Now and Afterwards

"Two hands upon the breast,
And labour's done;
Two pale feet crossed in rest —
The race is won;
Two eyes with coin-weights shut,
And all tears cease;
Two lips where grief is mute,
Anger at peace;"

So pray we oftentimes, mourning our lot
God in his kindness answereth not.

"Two hands to work addrest
Aye for His praise;
Two feet that never rest
Walking His ways;
Two eyes that look above
Through all their tears;
Two lips still breathing love,
Not wrath, nor fears;"

So pray we afterwards, low on our knees;
Pardon those erring prayers! Father, hear these!