1 Once the way seemed dark and drear
As the night,
And my heart cried out in fear
For the light:
And my soul was tempest-tossed,
Shadows grim my pathway crossed,
And the steps ahead seemed lost
To my sight.

2 Thorns and briers pierced my feet
Day by day,
And I found no flowers sweet
'Long the way;
Snares increased on every side,
Till in agony I cried.
For some light my feet to guide,
Lest I stray.

3 Then I raised my weeping eyes
From the ground,
And, O wonderful surprise,
Light I found,
And the blessed heaven-sent ray
Drove the darkness all away,
And the glorious light of day
Shone around.