Now and Afterwards

 “Two hands upon the breast, and labor is past.” —RUSSIAN PROVERB.     “TWO hands upon the breast,   And labor ’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!