"Allah!" was all night long the cry of one oppressed with care, Till softened was his heart, and sweet became his lips with prayer. Then near the subtle tempter stole, and spake: "Fond babbler, cease! For not an 'Here am I' has God e'er sent to give thee peace." With sorrow sank the suppliant's soul, and all his senses fled; But, lo! at midnight the good angel Chiser came and said: "What ails thee now, my child, and why art thou afraid to pray? And why thy former love dost thou repent? declare and say." "Ah!" cries he, "never once spake God to me, 'Here am I, son.' Cast off, methinks I am, and warned far from his gracious throne." To whom the angel answered: "Hear the word from God I bear: 'Go tell,' he said, 'yon mourner, sunk in sorrow and despair, Each "Lord, appear!" thy lips pronounce, contains my "Here am I!" A special messenger I send beneath thine every sigh, And, sleeping in thy "Come, O Lord!" there lies "Here, son!" from me.'"
January 1, 1970