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‘Tis first the true and then the beautiful,
Not first the beautiful and then the true;
First the wild moor, with rock and reed and pool,
Then the gay garden, rich in scent and hue.
‘Tis first the good and then the beautiful,—
Not first the beautiful and then the good;
First the rough seed, sown in the rougher soil,
Then the flower-blossom, or the branching wood.
Not first the glad and then the sorrowful,—
But first the sorrowful, and then the glad;
Tears for a day,—for earth and tears is full,
Then we forget that we were ever sad.
Not first the bright, and after that the dark,—
But first the dark, and after that the bright;
First the thick cloud, and then the rainbow’s arc,
First the dark grave, then resurrection-light.
‘Tis first the night,—stern night of storm and war,—
Long nights of heavy clouds and veiled skies;
Then the far sparkle of the Morning-star,
That bids the saints awake and dawn arise.
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marker 99
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LYRICS
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Meter:
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10 10 10 10
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Writer(s):
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Trans/Adapted:
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Dates:
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1860
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Bible Refs:
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echo ' | ';
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Hymn Writer
