LINES WRITTEN UNDER AFFLICTION (Jane Johnston Schoolcraft (Bame-wawa-ge-shik-a-quay) [1827] Ah!

who, with a sensitive mind possest, Recalls the swift years that are gone, Without mingled emotions- both bitter & blest, At the good & the ill he has known.

Or, how could a beautiful landscape please, If it showed us no feature but light? 'Tis the dark shades alone that give pleasure & ease, 'Tis the unison of sombre and bright.

So wisely has God in his mercy ordain'd, That the bitterest cup he has cast, Is mixed with sweetness, which still is retain'd, To be drank and enjoyed at the last.

Thus feelings are chasten'd, & life is refin'd, By pangs that misfortunes convey, To minds that have faith, & to bosoms resign'd, To bear -- to forbear, and obey.

And tho' for a while, he condemns us in strife, To languish, and suffer, and die; Yet the sunshine of promise -- of hope & of life, Allures us to bliss in the sky. (lame ending)