Apprehension of Blindness

When first upon mine eyes the darkness came,
I said, ' Will this dull film be always here,
To chide mine eyes with a perpetual fear?
Or will the blind man's lot my spirit tame?'
Ah! thankless heart, and words which bring me shame
To think of; for a better time was near,
And wiser thoughts, which daily grow more dear,
With deep remorse for that unholy blame:
This web that falls and rises — Heaven be praised!
Thro' its dark meshes I can read Thy Word:
Dim holy hopes have dawn'd where sunshine blazed
Unheeded; O sweet twilight undeplored!
O floating veil! full gently dropt and raised
By the good hand of Jesus Christ my Lord.