Destroyers and Other Verses/The Price
THE PRICE
Night hovers blue above the sombre square,The solitary amber lanterns throwA soft penumbra on the path below,And through the plumed pavilion of the treesA solemn breezeBears faintly from the river midnight bells;While at this peaceful hour my spirit tellsIts tale of arduous joys,Pain conquered, Fear resolved, or Hope regained,Swift recognition of some law divine,Shy gratitude that could not be restrained,All these were mine,And so, supremely blest,I sink to rest.
Through labyrinthine sleep I grope my way,Feeble of purpose, sick at heart, and sureSome unknown ill will lead my steps astrayTill, cold and grey,The dawn rays through my shuttered windows stealAnd with closed eyes I thank my God for light,For the fierce purpose of another day,When work and thought forbid the heart to feel.