Poems (Procter)/Past and Present

by Adelaide Anne Procter

For works with similar titles, see Past and Present.

PAST AND PRESENT.

INGER," I cried, "O radiant Time! thy power
Has nothing more to give; life is complete:
Let but the perfect Present, hour by hour,
Itself remember and itself repeat.

"And Love,—the future can but mar its splendor,
Change can but dim the glory of its youth;
Time has no star more faithful or more tender
To crown its constancy or light its truth."

But Time passed on in spite of prayer or pleading,
Through storm and peril; but that life might gain
A Peace through strife all other peace exceeding,
Fresh joy from sorrow, and new hope from pain.

And since Love lived when all save Love was dying,
And, passed through fire, grew stronger than be fore:—
Dear, you know why, in double faith relying,
I prize the Past much, but the Present more.