Now, the sowing and the weeping,
Working hard and waiting long;
Afterward, the golden reaping,
Harvest home and grateful song.
Now, the pruning, sharp, unsparing,
Scattered blossom, bleeding shoot!
Afterward, the plenteous bearing
Of the Master’s pleasant fruit.
Now, the long and toilsome duty
Stone by stone to carve and bring;
Afterward, the perfect beauty
Of the palace of the King.
Now, the tuning and the tension,
Wailing minors, discord strong;
Afterward, the grand ascension
Of the Alleluia song.
F. R. Havergal