Clock Striking

Did I hear the church-clock a few minutes ago, I was asked, and I answered, I hardly did know, But I thought that I heard it strike three. Said my friend then, 'The blessings we always possess We know not the want of, and prize them the less; The church-clock was no new sound to thee. 'A young woman, afflicted with deafness a year, By that sound you scarce heard, first perceived she could hear; I was near her, and saw the girl start With such exquisite wonder, such feelings of pride, A happiness almost to terror allied, She showed the sound went to her heart.'