Toska-A longing with nothing to long for

 And that they hear every word.

 But when the prayers are vain,

 And the tears have no answer,

 Then the gods must be deaf.

 'Tis said that the gods

 Are ever ready to help;

 But when their aid is denied,

 Then they must be blind.

 'Tis said that the gods

 Are all-powerful in good;

 But when evil comes their way,

 They seem powerless to deal,

 And can do nothing but cry.

 'Tis said that the gods

 Are ever merciful and kind;

 But when the mercy is given,

 And the kindness is shown,

 Then the gods must be mad.

 'Tis said that the gods

 Are always wise and just;

 But when they do not know,

 Or cannot understand,

 Then the gods must be fools.

 'Tis said that the gods

 Are ever near at hand;

 But when the need is great,

 Then they are far away.