I. br BEYOND the years the answer lies, br Beyond where brood the grieving skies br And Night drops tears. br Where Faith rod-chastened smiles to rise br And doff its fears, br And carping Sorrow pines and dies — br Beyond the years. br II. br Beyond the years the prayer for rest br Shall beat no more within the breast; br The darkness clears, br And Morn perched on the mountain's crest br Her form uprears — br The day that is to come is best, br Beyond the years. br III. br Beyond the years the soul shall find br That endless peace for which it pined, br For light appears, br And to the eyes that still were blind br With blood and tears, br Their sight shall come all unconfined br Beyond the years.