1 It tarries long, and seems to say,
God hath forgotten me.
Yet shall it come, and when it comes,
Good shall the answer be.

2 It seemeth sad so long to watch,
Thus tossed on stormy sea;
But day shall break, and when it comes,
Good shall the answer be.

3 So tired of sin and strife, the soul
Cries out in vain to Thee;
Yet not in vain; deliverance comes;
Good shall the answer be.

4 The night is long, the sky is dark,
In fear we bow the knee,
We plead for light; it comes at last—
Good shall the answer be.

5 The battle goes against us, yet,
We fight and will not flee;
Help, Lord! He hears: and when it comes
Good shall the answer be.

6 How long! the widowed Church thus pleads
In hours of agony.
But not in vain; her cry is heard;
Good shall the answer be.

7 How long! Creation cries in bonds,
Still longing to be free!
The groan is heard; and when it comes,
Good shall the answer be.