Poems (Freston)/Temptation

by Elizabeth Heléne Freston

For works with similar titles, see Temptation.

TEMPTATION

Yes, it is hard to walk this way,
 That's called the "path of duty,"
And never let the glances stray
 Towards Wrong's seductive beauty.

I look before me as I go
 And see no star to lure me,—
No sunny spot, that of an hour
 Of joy can yet assure me.

Sorrow and empty-hearted pain
 Walk by my side in sadness
And keep afar the merry spright
 That scatters flowers of gladness.

I look again and feel each pulse
 Grow quicker at the beauty
Of that fair vista of a love,
 That leads away from duty.

There Cupid, with arch, laughing face,
 Beckons me on to follow;
There Sympathy holds forth a hand
 With promise for to-morrow.

There Fame sits in the sunlight fair,
 Bright laurel leaves entwining,
While on a tender bed of bloom,
 Joy's soft limbs are reclining.

And o'er it and above it all,
 Thy tender eyes still call me,
And oh! I yearn to follow them,
 Whatever fate befall!

I am too blind to see the blight
 "Upon the rose-leaves falling;—
Too blind to see the trail that's left
 By serpents o'er their crawling;

Too fond am I of that fair sight,
 To look beyond its glowing,
And mark the crouching, dark Despair,
 Toward Desolation going.

Oh, could we side by side,
 Have walked this rugged way together,
Then, oh, my love! we had no need
 To ever question "Whither?"

But ties are bound about thy life,
 Thy manhood cannot sever,
Nor my poor woman's heart forget,
 Though we are parted ever.

Still oft I turn my longing eyes
 Back o'er Love's way and beauty,
While yet, with slow and weary step,
 I walk the way of duty.