164
POEMS.
Lives faithfulness which never disobeys
The smallest law of patience, and, more sweet
Than patience' self, works on to its complete
Fulfilling, wresting thus from alien powers
A double guerdon for the conquered hours.
The smallest law of patience, and, more sweet
Than patience' self, works on to its complete
Fulfilling, wresting thus from alien powers
A double guerdon for the conquered hours.
In vain among all rich and beauteous things
With which the realms of beauteous Nature teems
I look for one which fair and fitting seems
As simile for her swift soul, which wings
Itself more swift than bird can fly, which springs
And soars like fountain, but finds no content
At levels whence its own bright waters went.
With which the realms of beauteous Nature teems
I look for one which fair and fitting seems
As simile for her swift soul, which wings
Itself more swift than bird can fly, which springs
And soars like fountain, but finds no content
At levels whence its own bright waters went.
Only one thing there is whose name is name
Also for her: swift, restless, patient fire,
Which, burning always, loses no desire;
Which leaps and soars and blazes all the same,
If spices or dull fagots feed its flame;
Swift, restless, patient fire, which saves and turns
Into more precious things all things it burns.
Also for her: swift, restless, patient fire,
Which, burning always, loses no desire;
Which leaps and soars and blazes all the same,
If spices or dull fagots feed its flame;
Swift, restless, patient fire, which saves and turns
Into more precious things all things it burns.
O comrades, sweet to know and hear and see,
Whom I have dared to paint, each empty phrase
But mocks my thought; no dreamy singer's praise,
No flattering voice of hope and prophecy
Of what the future years shall bring and be,
No stranger's recognition do ye need!
Ah! comrades, sweet to hear and see, "God-speed!"
Whom I have dared to paint, each empty phrase
But mocks my thought; no dreamy singer's praise,
No flattering voice of hope and prophecy
Of what the future years shall bring and be,
No stranger's recognition do ye need!
Ah! comrades, sweet to hear and see, "God-speed!"
