PARTVII
Withmuchhardlabourandsomepleasurefraught，Themonthsrolledbymenoiselessly，thattaughtMyhandtogrowmoreskilfulinitsart，Strengthenedmydaringdreamoffame，andbroughtSweethopeandresignationtomyheart。
BriefletterscamefromHelen，nowandthen：
Shewasquitewell——ohyes!quitewell，indeed!
Butstillsoweakandnervous。By—and—by，Whenbaby，beingolder，shouldnotneedSuchconstantcare，shewouldgrowstrongagain。
Shewasashappyasasoulcouldbe；
Noleastcloudhoveredinherazuresky；
Shehadnotthoughtlifeheldsuchdepthsofbliss。
DearbabysentMaurinealovingkiss，Andsaidshewasanaughty，naughtygirl，Nottocomehomeandseema’slittlepearl。
Nogiftofcostlyjewels，orofgold，Hadbeensopreciousorsodeartome，Aseachbrieflinewhereinherjoywastold。
Itlightenedtoil，andtooktheedgefrompain，Knowingmysacrificewasnotinvain。
RoypurchasedfineestatesinScotland，whereHebuiltaprettyvilla—likeretreat。
AndwhentheRomanSummer’slanguidheatMadeworkapunishment，IturnedmyfaceTowardtheHighlands，andwithRoyandGraceFoundrestandfreedomfromallthoughtandcare。
Iwasawillingworker。NotanhourPassedidlybyme：each，IwouldemployTosomegoodpurpose，ereitglidedonToswellthetideofhoursforevergone。
Myfirstcompletedpicture，knownas"Joy，"
Wonpleasantwordsofpraise。"Possessespower，"
"Displaysmuchtalent，""Veryfairlydone。"
Sofellthecommentsonmygratefulear。
SwiftinthewakeofJoy，andalwaysnear，WalkshersadsisterSorrow。SomybrushBegandepictingSorrow，heavy—eyed，Withpallidvisage，eretherosyflushUponthebeamingfaceofJoyhaddried。
Thecarefulstudyoflongmonths，itwonGoldenopinions；evenbringingforthThatcertainsignofmerit——acritiqueWhichsetbothpiecesdownasdaubs，andweakAsemptyheadsthatsangtheirpraises——soProvingconclusivelythepictures’worth。
ThesecriticsandreviewersdonotuseTheirpreciousammunitiontoabuseAworthlesswork。That，leftalone，theyknowWillfinditsproperlevel；andtheyaimTheirbatteriesatrisingworkswhichclaimToomuchofpublicnotice。ButthisshotResultedonlyinsomenoise，whichbroughtAdozenpeople，whereonecamebefore，Toviewmypictures；andIhadmyhourOfholdingthosefrailbaubles，FameandPow’r。
AnEnglishBaronwhohadlivedtwoscoreOfhisallottedthreescoreyearsandtenBoughtboththepieces。Hewasverykind，Andsoattentive，I，notbeingblind，Mustunderstandhismeaning。
Therefore，whenHesaid，"Sweetfriend，whomIwouldmakemywife，The’Joy’and’Sorrow’thisdearhandportrayedIhaveinmypossession：nowresignIntomycarefulkeeping，andmakemine，Thejoyandsorrowofyourfuturelife，"—
Iwaspreparedtoanswer，butdelayed，Grownundecidedsuddenly。
MymindArguedthemattercoollyproandcon，AndmaderesolvetospeedhiswooingonAndgranthimfavour。Hewasgoodandkind；
Notyoung，nodoubthewouldbequitecontentWithmyrespect，normissanardentlove；
Couldgivemetiesoffamilyandhome；
Andthen，perhaps，mymindwasnotaboveSettingsomevalueonatitledname—
Ambitiouswoman’sweakness!
ThenmyartWouldbeencouragedandpursuedthesame，AndIcouldspendmywintersallinRome。
LovenevermorecouldtouchmywastefulheartThatallitswealthupononeobjectspent。
Existencewouldbeverybleakandcold，Afterlongyears，whenIwasgrayandold，Withneitherhomenorchildren。
Onceawife，Iwouldforgetthesorrowofmylife，Andpilenewsodsuponthegraveofpain。
Mymindsoargued；andmysadheartheard，Butmadenocomment。
ThentheBaronspoke，Andwaitedformyanswer。AllinvainIstroveforstrengthtoutterthatonewordMyminddictated。Momentsrolledaway—
Untilatlastmytorpidheartawoke，Andforcedmytremblinglipstosayhimnay。
Andthenmyeyeswithsuddentearso’erran，InpityformyselfandforthismanWhostoodbeforeme，lostinpainedsurprise。
"Dearfriend，"Icried，"deargenerousfriend，forgiveAtroubledwoman’sweakness!AsIlive，IntruthImeanttoanswerotherwise。
Fromoutitsstore，myheartcangiveyounaughtButhonourandrespect；andyetmethoughtIwouldgivewillinganswer，didyousue。
ButnowIknow’twerecruelwrongIplanned—
Takingaheartthatbeatwithlovemosttrue，Andgivinginexchangeanemptyhand。
Whowedsforlovealone，maynotbewise：
Whowedswithoutit，angelsmustdespise。
LoveandrespecttogethermustcombineTorendermarriageholyanddivine；
Andlackofeither，sureasFate，destroysContinuationofthenuptialjoys，Andbringsregret，andgloomydiscontentToputtorouteachtendersentiment。
Nay，nay!IwillnotburdenallyourlifeBythatpossession——anunlovingwife；
NorwillItakethesinuponmysoulOfweddingwheremyheartgoesnotinwhole。
Howeverbleakmaybemysinglelot，Iwillnotstainmylifewithsuchablot。
Dearfriend，farewell!theearthisverywide；
Itholdssomefairerwomanforyourbride；
IwouldIhadahearttogivetoyou，But，lackingit，canonlysay——adieu!"
Hewhomtemptationneverhasassailed，Knowsnotthatsubtlesenseofmoralstrength；
Whensorelytried，wewaver，butatlength，Riseupandturnaway，nothavingfailed。
***
TheAutumnofthethirdyearcameandwent；
ThemildItalianwinterwashalfspent，Whenthisbriefmessagecameacrossthesea：
"Mydarling!Iamdying。Cometome。
Love，whichsolongthegrowingtruthconcealed，Standspalewithinitsshadow。Oh，mysweet!
Thisheartofminegrowsfainterwitheachbeat—
Dyingwithveryweightofbliss。Oh，come!
AndtakethelegacyIleavetoyou，Beforetheselipsforevermorearedumb。
Inlifeordeath，——Yours，HelenDangerfield。"
Thisplaintiveletterboreamontholddate；
And，wildwithfearslestIhadcometoolate，Ibadetheoldworldandnewfriendsadieu，AndwithAuntRuth，wholonghadsighedforhome，Iturnedmybackonglory，art，andRome。
AllselfishthoughtsweremergedinonewildfearThatsheforwhosedearsakemyhearthadbled，Ratherthanhersweeteyesshouldknowonetear，Waspassingfromme；thatshemightbedead；
And，dying，hadbeensorelygrievedwithme，BecauseImadenoanswertoherplea。
"O，ship，thatsailestslowly，slowlyon，Makehastebeforeawastinglifeisgone!
MakehastethatImaycatchafleetingbreath!
Andtrueinlife，betruee’enuntodeath。
"O，ship，sailon!andbearmeo’erthetideToherforwhommywoman’sheartoncedied。
Sail，sail，O，ship!forshehathneedofme，AndIwouldknowwhatherlastwishmaybe!
Ihavebeentrue，sotrue，throughallthepast。
Sail，sail，O，ship!Iwouldnotfailatlast。"
Soprayedmyheartstillo’er，andevero’er，Untilthewearylaggingshipreachedshore。
AllsadwithfearsthatIhadcometoolate，Bythatstrangesourcewhencemencommunicate，Thoughmilesonmilesofspacebetweenthemlie，IspokewithVivian："Doesshelive？Reply。"
Theanswercame。"Shelives，buthasten，friend!
Herjourneydrawethswiftlytoitsend。"
Ahme!ahme!wheneachrememberedspot，Myowndearhome，thelanethatledtohis—
Thefields，thewoods，thelake，burstonmysight，Oh!then，Selfroseupinassertingmight；
Oh，then，myburstingheartallelseforgot，Butthosesweetearlyyearsoflostdelight，Ofhope，defeat，ofanguishandofbliss。
Ihaveatheory，vague，undefined，Thateachemotionofthehumanmind，Love，painorpassion，sorrowordespair，Isalivespirit，dwellingintheair，Untilittakespossessionofsomebreast；
And，whenatlength，grownwearyofunrest，Weriseupstrongandcastitfromtheheart，Andbiditleaveuswholly，anddepart，Itdoesnotdie，itcannotdie；butgoesAndmingleswithsomerestlesswindthatblowsAbouttheregionwhereithaditsbirth。
Andthoughwewanderoveralltheearth，Thatspiritwaits，andlingers，yearbyyear，Invisibleandclothedliketheair，Hopingthatwemayyetagaindrawnear，Anditmayhaplytakeusunaware，AndoncemorefindsafeshelterinthebreastItstirredofoldwithpleasureorunrest。
Toldbymyheart，andwhollypositive，Someoldemotionlonghadceasedtolive；
That，wereitcalled，itcouldnothearorcome，Becauseitwassovoicelessandsodumb，Yet，passingwhereitfirstsprangintolife，MyverysoulhassuddenlybeenrifeWithalltheoldintensityoffeeling。
Itseemedalivingspirit，whichcamestealingIntomyheartfromthatdepartedday；
Exiledemotion，whichIfanciedclay。
Sonowintomytroubledheart，aboveThepresent’spainandsorrow，crepttheloveAndstrifeandpassionofabygonehour，Possessedofalltheiroldenmightandpower。
’Twasbutamoment，andthespellwasbrokenBypleasantwordsofgreeting，gentlyspoken，AndVivianstoodbeforeus。
ButIsawInhimthehusbandofmyfriendalone。
Theoldemotionsmightattimesreturn，Andsmould’ringfiresleapupanhourandburn；
ButneveryethadItransgressedGod’slaw，BylookingonthemanIhadresigned，Withanyhiddenfeelinginmymind，Whichshe，hiswife，myfriend，mightnothaveknownHewasbutlittlealtered。FromhisfaceThenonchalantandalmosthaughtygrace，Thelurkinglaughterwaitinginhiseyes，Theyearshadstolen，leavingintheirplaceAsettledsadness，whichwasnotdespair，Norwasitgloom，norweariness，norcare，Butsomethinglikethevapouro’ertheskiesOfIndiansummer，beautifultosee，Butspokeoffrosts，whichhadbeenandwouldbe。
Therewasthatinhisfacewhichcomethnot，Savewhenthesoulhasmanyabattlefought，Andconqueredselfbyconstantsacrifice。
Therearetwosculptors，who，withchiselsfine，Rendertheplainestfeatureshalfdivine。
Allotherartistsstriveandstriveinvain，Topicturebeautyperfectandcomplete。
Theirstatuesonlycrumbleattheirfeet，WithoutthemastertouchofFaithandPain。
Andnowhisface，thatperfectseemedbefore，Chiselledbythesetwocarefulartists，woreAlookexalted，whichthespiritgivesWhensoulhasconquered，andthebodylivesSubservienttoitsbidding。
InaroomWhichcurtainedouttheFebruarygloom，And，redolentwithperfume，brightwithflowers，RestedtheeyelikeoneofSummer’sbowers，IfoundmyHelen，whowaslessminenowThanDeath’s；foronthemarbleofherbrowHissealwasstampedindelibly。
HerformWasliketheslenderwillow，whensomestormHasstrippeditbareoffoliage。Herface，Palealways，nowwasghastlyinitshue：
And，liketwolamps，insomedark，hollowplace，Burnedherlargeeyes，grownmoreintenselyblue。
Herfragilehandsdisplayedeachcordandvein，Andonhermouthwasthatdrawnlook，ofpainWhichisnotuttered。YetaninwardlightShonethroughandmadeherwastedfeaturesbrightWithanunearthlybeauty；andanaweCrepto’erme，gazingonher，forIsawShewassoneartoHeaventhatIseemedTolookuponthefaceofoneredeemed。
SheturnedthebrilliantlustreofhereyesUponme。Shehadpassedbeyondsurprise，Oranystrongemotionlinkedwithclay。
ButasIglidedtoherwhereshelay，Asmile，celestialinitssweetness，wreathedHerpallidfeatures。"Welcomehome!"shebreathed"Dearhands!dearlips!Itouchyouandrejoice。"
AndlikethedyingechoofavoiceWereherfainttonesthatthrilleduponmyear。
Ifelluponmykneesbesideherbed；
Allagonieswithinmyheartwerewed，Whiletotheachingnumbnessofmygrief，Mineeyesrefusedthesolaceofatear，—
Thetorturedsoul’smostmercifulrelief。
HerwastedhandcaressedmybendedheadForonesad，sacredmoment。Thenshesaid，Inthatlowtonesolikethewind’srefrain，"Maurine，myown!givenotawaytopain；
Thetimeisprecious。EreanotherdawnMysoulmayhearthesummonsandpasson。
Arise，sweetsister!restalittlewhile，Andwhenrefreshed，comehither。IgrowweakWitheveryhourthatpasses。ImustspeakAndmakemydyingwishesknownto—night。
Gonow。"Andinthehaloofhersmile，Whichseemedtofilltheroomwithgoldenlight，Iturnedandlefther。
Later，inthegloomOfcomingnight，Ienteredthatdimroom，Andsatdownbyher。Vivianheldherhand：
AndonthepillowathersidetheresmiledThebeauteouscount’nanceofasleepingchild。
"Maurine，"spokeHelen，"forthreeblissfulyears，Myhearthasdweltinanenchantedland；
AndIhavedrankthesweetenedcupofjoy，Withoutonedropofanguishoralloy。
Andso，erePainembittersitwithgall，Orsad—eyedSorrowfillsitfulloftears，Andbidsmequaff，whichistheFateofallWholingerlonguponthistroubledway，GodtakesmetotherealmofEndlessDay，TominglewithHisangels，whoaloneCanunderstandsuchblissasIhaveknown。
Idonotmurmur。Godhasheapedmymeasure，Inthreeshortyears，fulltothebrimwithpleasure；
And，fromthefulnessofanearthlylove，Ipasstoth’ImmortalArmsabove，BeforeIevenbrushtheskirtsofWoe。
"Ileavemyagedparentsherebelow，Withnonetocomfortthem。Maurine，sweetfriend!
Bekindtothem，andlovethemtotheend，Whichmaynotbefardistant。
AndIleaveAsoulimmortalinyourcharge，Maurine。
Fromthismostholy，sadandsacredeve，TillGodshallclaimher，sheisyourstokeep，Toloveandshelter，toprotectandguide。"
Shetouchedtheslumb’ringcherubatherside，AndViviangentlyboreher，stillasleep，Andlaidthepreciousburdenonmybreast。
Asolemnsilencefelluponthescene。
Andwhenthesleepinginfantsmiled，andpressedMyyieldingbosomwithherwaxencheek，Ifeltitwouldbesacrilegetospeak，Suchwordlessjoypossessedme。
Oh!atlastThisinfant，who，inthattear—blottedpast，Hadcausedmysoulsuchtravail，wasmyown：
ThroughallthelonelycomingyearstobeMineowntocherish——whollyminealone。
AndwhatImournedsohopelesslyaslostWasnowrestored，andgivenbacktome。
Thedyingvoicecontinued：
"InthischildYouyethaveme，whosemortallifeshecost。
Butallthatwasmostpureandundefiled，Andgoodwithinme，livesinheragain。
Maurine，myhusbandlovesme；yetIknow，Movingaboutthewideworld，toandfro，Andthrough，andinthebusyhauntsofmen，Notalwayswillhisheartbedumbwithwoe，Butsometimewakentoalaterlove。
Nay，Vivian，hush!mysoulhaspassedaboveAllselfishfeelings!Iwouldhaveitso。
WhileIamwiththeangels，blestandglad，Iwouldnothaveyousorrowingandsad，Inlonelinessgomourningtotheend。
But，love!IcouldnottrusttoanyotherThesacredofficeofafoster—motherTothissweetcherub，savemyownheart—friend。
"Teachhertoloveherfather’sname，Maurine，Where’erhewanders。KeepmymemorygreenInheryoungheart，andleadherinheryouth，Todrinkfromth’eternalfountofTruth；
Vexhernotwithsectariandiscourse，Norstrivetoteachherpietybyforce；
Plynothermindwithharshandnarrowcreeds，NorfrightenherwithanavengingGod，WhorulesHissubjectswithaburningrod；
ButteachherthateachmortalsimplyneedsTogrowinhateofhateandloveoflove，Togainakingdominthecourtsabove。
"Letherbefreeandnaturalastheflowers，Thatsmileandnodthroughoutthesummerhours。
Letherrejoiceinallthejoysofyouth，Butfirstimpressuponhermindthistruth：
Nolastinghappinessise’erattainedSavewhentheheartsomeOTHERseekstoplease。
Thecupofselfishpleasuressoonisdrained，Andfullofgallandbitternessthelees。
NexttoherGod，teachhertoloveherland；
Inheryoungbosomlightthepatriot’sflameUntiltheheartwithinhershallexpandWithloveandfervourathercountry’sname。
"Nocoward—motherbearsavaliantson。
Andthis，mylastwish，isanearnestone。
"Maurine，myo’er—taxedstrengthiswaning；youHaveheardmywishes，andyouwillbetrueIndeathasyouhavebeeninlife，myown!
NowleavemeforalittlewhilealoneWithhim——myhusband。Dearlove!IshallrestSosweetlywithnocareuponmybreast。
Good—night，Maurine，cometomeinthemorning。"
Butlo!theBridegroomwithnofurtherwarningCameforheratthedawningoftheday。
SheheardHisvoice，andsmiled，andpassedawayWithoutastruggle。
Leaningo’erherbedTogivehergreeting，Ifoundbutherclay，AndVivianbowedbesideit。
AndIsaid，"Dearfriend!mysoulshalltreasurethyrequest，AndwhenthenightoffeverandunrestMeltsinthemorningofEternity，Likeafreedbird，thenIwillcometothee。
"Iwillcometotheeinthemorning，sweet!
Ihavebeentrue；andsoulwithsoulshallmeetBeforeGod’sthrone，andshallnotbeafraid。
Thougav’stmetrust，anditwasnotbetrayed。
"Iwillcometotheeinthemorning，dear!
Thenightisdark。IdonotknowhownearThemornmaybeofthatEternalDay；
Icanbutkeepmyfaithfulwatchandpray。
"Iwillcometotheeinthemorning，love!
WaitformeontheEternalHeightsabove。
Thewayistroubledwheremyfeetmustclimb，EreIshalltreadthemountain—topsublime。
"Iwillcomeinthemorning，Omineown；
Butforatimemustgropemywayalone，Throughtearsandsorrow，tilltheDayshalldawn，AndIshallhearthesummons，andpasson。
"Iwillcomeinthemorning。Restsecure!
Myhopeiscertainandmyfaithissure。
AfterthegloomanddarknessofthenightIwillcometotheewiththemorninglight。"
***
Threepeacefulyearsslippedsilentlyaway。
Wedwelttogetherinmychildhood’shome，AuntRuthandI，andsunny—heartedMay。
Shewasafairandmostexquisitechild；
HerpensivefacewasdelicateandmildLikeherdeadmother’s；butthroughherdeareyesHerfathersmileduponme，daybyday。
Afarinforeigncountriesdidheroam，NowrestingunderItaly’sblueskies，AndnowwithRoyinScotland。
AndhesentBrief，friendlyletters，tellingwherehewentAndwhathesaw，addressedtoMayorme。
AndIwouldwriteandtellhimhowshegrew—
Andhowshetalkedabouthimo’ertheseaInhersweetbabyfashion；howsheknewHispictureinthealbum；howeachdayShekneltandprayedtheblessedLordwouldbringHerownpapabacktohislittleMay。
ItwasawarmbrightmorningintheSpring。
Isatinthatsamesunnyportico，WhereIwassittingsevenyearsagoWhenViviancame。Myeyeswerefulloftears，AsIlookedbackacrossthecheckeredyears。
Howmanywerethechangestheyhadbrought!
Pain，death，andsorrow!butthelessontaughtTomyyounghearthadbeenofuntoldworth。
Ihadlearnedhowto"sufferandgrowstrong"—
Thatknowledgewhichbestservesushereonearth，AndbringsrewardinHeaven。
Oh!howlongTheyearshadbeensincethatJunemorningwhenIheardhisstepuponthewalk，andyetIseemedtohearitsechostill。
JustthenDownthatsamepathIturnedmyeyes，tear—wet，Andlo!thewandererfromaforeignlandStoodtherebeforeme!——holdingouthishandAndsmilingwiththosewond’rouseyesofold。
Tohidemytears，Iranandbroughthischild；
Butshewasshy，andclungtome，whentoldThiswaspapa，forwhomherprayersweresaid。
Shedroppedhereyesandshookherlittlehead，Andwouldnotbyhiscoaxingbebeguiled，Orgotohim。
AuntRuthwasnotathome，Andwetwosatandtalked，asstrangersmight，Ofdistantcountrieswhichwebothhadseen。
ButonceIthoughtIsawhislargeeyeslightWithsuddenpassion，whentherecameapauseInourchit—chat，andthenhespoke：
"Maurine，IsawanumberofyourfriendsinRome。
Wetalkedofyou。Theyseemedsurprised，becauseYouwerenot’mongtheseekersforaname。
Theythoughtyourwholeambitionwasforfame。"
"Itmighthavebeen，"Ianswered，"whenmyheartHadnothingelsetofillit。NowmyartIsbutarecreation。IhaveTHIS
Toloveandlivefor，whichIhadnotthen。"
And，leaningdown，IpressedatenderkissUponmychild’sfairbrow。
"Andyet，"hesaid，Theoldlightleapingtohiseyesagain，"Andyet，Maurine，theysayyoumighthavewedAnobleBaron!oneofmanymenWholaidtheirheartsandfortunesatyourfeet。
Whywonthebravestofthemnoreturn？"
Ibowedmyhead，nordaredhisgazetomeet。
OncheekandbrowIfelttheredbloodburn，Andstrongemotionstrangledspeech。
HeroseAndcameandkneltbesideme。
"Sweet，mysweet!"
Hemurmuredsoftly，"GodinHeavenknowsHowwellIlovedyousevenyearsago。
Heonlyknowsmyanguish，andmygrief，WhenyourownactsforcedonmethebeliefThatIhadbeenyourplaythingandyourtoy。
YetfromhislipsIsincehavelearnedthatRoyHeldnoplacenearerthanafriendandbrother。
Andthenafaintsuspicion，undefined，Ofwhathadbeen——was——mightbe，stirredmymind，Andthatgreatlove，Ithoughtdiedatablow，Roseupwithinme，strongwithhopeandlife。
"BeforeallheavenandtheangelmotherOfthissweetchildthatslumbersonyourheart，Maurine，Maurine，Iclaimyouformywife—
Mineown，forever，untildeathshallpart!"
Throughhappymistsofupwardwellingtears，Ileaned，andlookedintohisbeauteouseyes。
"Dearheart，"Isaid，"ifshewhodwellsaboveLooksdownuponus，fromyonazureskies，Shecanbutblessus，knowingalltheseyearsMysoulhadyearnedinsilencefortheloveThatcrownedherlife，andleftmineownsobleak。
Iturnedyoufrommeforherfair，frailsake。
Forhersweetchild’s，andformyown，ItakeYoubacktobeallmine，forevermore。"
JustthenthechilduponmybreastawokeFromherlightsleep，andlaidherdownycheekAgainstherfatherashekneltbyme。
AndthisunconsciousactionseemedtobeAsilentblessing，whichthemotherspokeGazinguponusfromthemysticshore。
ALLROADSTHATLEADTOGODAREGOOD
AllroadsthatleadtoGodaregood。
Whatmattersit，yourfaith，ormine？
BothcentreatthegoaldivineOflove’seternalBrotherhood。
Thekindlylifeinhouseorstreet—
Thelifeofprayerandmysticrite—
Thestudent’ssearchfortruthandlight—
ThesepathsatonegreatJunctionmeet。
Beforetheoldestbookwaswrit，FullmanyaprehistoricsoulArrivedatthisunchanginggoal，ThroughchangelessLove，thatleadstoit。
WhatmattersthatonefoundhisChristInrisingsun，orburningfire？
Iffaithwithinhimdidnottire，HislongingfortheTruthsufficed。
BeforeourmodernhellwasbroughtToedifythemodernworld，Fullmanyahate—filledsoulwashurledInlakesoffirebyitsownthought。
Athousandcreedshavecomeandgone，Butwhatisthattoyouorme？
Creedsarebutbranchesofatree—
Therootoflovelivesonandon。
Thoughbranchbybranchproveswitheredwood，Therootiswarmwithpreciouswine。
Thenkeepyourfaithandleavememine—
AllroadsthatleadtoGodaregood。
DUST—SEALED
Iknownotwherefore，butmineeyesSeebloom，whereothereyesseeblight。
Theyfindarainbow，asunrise，Whereothersbutdiscerndeepnight。
Mencallmeanenthusiast，AndsayIlookthroughgildedhaze：
Becausewhere’ermygazeiscast，Iseesomethingthatcallsforpraise。
Isay，"Beholdthoselovelyeyes—
Thattintedcheekofflower—likegrace。"
Theyanswerinamusedsurprise：
"Wethoughtitacommonface。"
Isay，"Waseverseenmorefair？
IseemtowalkinEden’sbowers。"
Theyanswer，withapityingair，"Theweedsarechokingouttheflowers。"
Iknownotwherefore，butGodlentAdeepervisiontomysight。
Onwhatsoe’ermygazeisbentIcatchthebeautyInfinite；
Thatunderlying，hiddenhalfThatallthingsholdofDeity。
Soletthedullcrowdsneerandlaugh—
Theireyesareblind，theycannotsee。
"ADVICE"
Imustdoasyoudo？YourwayIownIsaverygoodway。Andstill，Therearesometimestwostraightroadstoatown，Oneover，oneunderthehill。
Youaretreadingthesafeandthewell—wornway，Thattheprudentchooseeachtime；
Andyouthinkmerecklessandrashto—day，BecauseIprefertoclimb。
Yourpathistherightone，andsoismine。
Wearenotlikepeasinapod，Compelledtolieinacertainline，Orelsebescatteredabroad。
’Twereadulloldworld，methinks，myfriend，Ifweallwentjustoneway；
Yetourpathswillmeetnodoubtattheend，Thoughtheyleadapartto—day。
Youliketheshade，andIlikethesun；
Youlikeanevenpace，Iliketomixwiththecrowdandrun，Andthenrestaftertherace。
Ilikedanger，andstormandstrife，Youlikeapeacefultime；
Ilikethepassionandsurgeoflife，Youlikeitsgentlerhyme。
Youlikebuttercups，dewysweet，Andcrocuses，framedinsnow；
Ilikeroses，bornoftheheat，Andtheredcarnation’sglow。
Imustlivemylife，notyours，myfriend，Forsoitwaswrittendown；
Wemustfollowourgivenpathstotheend，ButItrustweshallmeet——intown。
OVERTHEBANISTERS
Overthebanistersbendsaface，Daringlysweetandbeguiling。
SomebodystandsincarelessgraceAndwatchingthepicture，smiling。
Thelightburnsdiminthehallbelow，Nobodyseesherstanding，Sayinggood—nightagain，softandlow，Halfwayuptothelanding。
Nobodyonlytheeyesofbrown，Tenderandfullofmeaning，Thatsmileonthefairestfaceintown，Overthebanistersleaning。
Tiredandsleepy，withdroopinghead，Iwonderwhyshelingers；
Now，whenthegood—nightsallaresaid，Why，somebodyholdsherfingers。
Heholdsherfingersanddrawsherdown，Suddenlygrowingbolder，TilltheloosehairdropsitsmassesbrownLikeamantleoverhisshoulder。
Overthebanisterssofthands，fair，Brushhischeekslikeafeather，AndbrightbrowntressesandduskyhairMeetandmingletogether。
There’saquestionasked，there’saswiftcaress，Shehasflownlikeabirdfromthehallway，Butoverthebanistersdropsa"Yes，"
Thatshallbrightentheworldforhimalway。
THEPAST
IflingmypastbehindmelikearobeWornthreadbareintheseams，andoutofdate。
Ihaveoutgrownit。WhereforeshouldIweepAnddwelluponitsbeauty，anditsdyesOfOrientalsplendour，orcomplainThatImustneedsdiscardit？IcanweaveUpontheshuttlesofthefutureyearsAfabricfarmoredurable。Subdued，Itmaybe，intheblendingofitshues，Wheresombreshadescommingle，yetthegleamOfgoldenwarpshallshootitthroughandthrough，Whileoverallafadelesslustrelies，Andstarredwithgemsmadeoutofcrystalledtears，Mynewrobeshallbericherthantheold。
SECRETS
Thinknotsomeknowledgerestswiththeealone；
Why，evenGod’sstupendoussecret，Death，Weonebyone，withourexpiringbreath，Dopalewithwonderseizeandmakeourown；
Thebosomedtreasuresoftheearthareshown，Despitehercarefulhiding；andtheairYieldsitsmysteriousmarvelsindespairToswellthemightystore—houseofthingsknown。
Invaintheseaexpostulatesandraves；
Itcannotcoverfromthekeenworld’ssightThecuriouswondersofitscoralcaves。
Andso，despitethycautionorthytears，ThepryingfingersofdetectiveyearsShalldragTHYsecretoutintothelight。
APPLAUSE
IholditoneofthesadcertainlawsWhichmakesourfailuressometimeseemmorekindThanthatsuccesswhichbringssurelossbehind—
Truegreatnessdies，whensoundstheworld’sapplauseFameblightstheobjectitwouldbless，becauseWeigheddownwithmen’sexpectancy，themindCannomoresoartothosefarheights，andfindThatfreedomwhichitsinspirationwas。
WhenoncewelistentoitsnoisycheersOrhearthepopulace’approval，thenWecatchnomorethemusicofthespheres，Orwalkwithgods，andangels，butwithmen。
Till，impotentfromourself—consciousfears，Theplauditsoftheworldturnintosneers。
THESTORY
Theymeteachotherintheglade—
Shelifteduphereyes；
Alacktheday!Alackthemaid!
Sheblushedinswiftsurprise。
Alas!alas!thewoethatcomesfromliftinguptheeyes。
Thepailwasfull，thepathwassteep—
Hereachedtoherhishand；
Shefeltherwarmyoungpulsesleap，Butdidnotunderstand。
Alas!alas!thewoethatcomesfromclaspinghandwithhand。
Shesatbesidehiminthewood—
Hewooedwithwordsandsighs；
Ah!loveinSpringseemssweetandgood，Andmaidensarenotwise。
Alas!alas!thewoethatcomesfromlistingloverssighs。
Thesummersunshonefairlydown，Thewindblewfromthesouth；
Asblueeyesgazedineyesofbrown，Hiskissfellonhermouth。
Alas!alas!thewoethatcomesfromkissesonthemouth。
Andnowtheautumntimeisnear，Theloverrovesaway，Withbreakingheartandfallingtear，Shesitsthelivelongday。
Alas!alas!forbreakingheartswhenloversroveaway。
LEANDOWN
Leandownandliftmehigher，Josephine!
FromtheEternalHillshastthounotseenHowIdostriveforheights？butlackingwings，IcannotgraspatoncethosebetterthingsTowhichIinmyinmostsoulaspire。
Leandownandliftmehigher。
Igropealong——notdesolateorsad，Foryouthandhopeandhealthallkeepmeglad；
Buttoobrightsunlight，sometimes，makesusblind，AndIdogropeforheightsIcannotfind。
Oh，thoumustknowmyonesupremedesire—
Leandownandliftmehigher。
Notlongagowetrodtheself—sameway。
Thouknowesthow，fromdaytofleetingdayOursoulswerevexedwithtrifles，andourfeetWereluredasidetoby—pathswhichseemedsweet，Butonlyservedtohinderandtotire；
Leandownandliftmehigher。
Thouhastgoneonwardtotheheightsserene，Andleftmehere，mylovedone，Josephine；
Iamcontenttostayuntiltheend，Forlifeisfullofpromise；but，myfriend，CanstthounothelpmeinmybestdesireAndlean，andliftmehigher？
Frailasthouwert，thouhastgrownstrongandwise，AndquicktounderstandandsympathizeWithallafullsoul’sneeds。Itmustbeso，ThyyearwithGodhathmadetheegreat，IknowThoumustseehowIstruggleandaspire—
Oh，warmmewithabreathofheavenlyfire，Andlean，andliftmehigher。
LIFE
Ifeelthegreatimmensityoflife。
Alllittleaimsslipfromme，andIreachMyyearningsoultowardtheInfinite。
Aswhenamightyforest，whosegreenleavesHaveshutitin，andmadeitseemabowerForlovers’secrets，orforchildren’ssports，Castsallitsclusteringfoliagetothewinds，Andletstheeyebeholdit，limitless，Andfullofwindingmysteriesofways：
Sonowwithlifethatreachesoutbefore，AndbordersontheunexplainedBeyond。
Iseethestarsaboveme，worldonworld：
IheartheawfullanguageofallSpace；
Ifeelthedistantsurgingofgreatseas，ThathidethesecretsoftheUniverseIntheireternalbosoms；andIknowThatIambutanatomoftheWhole。
THECHRISTIAN’SNEWYEARPRAYER
ThouChristofmine，ThygraciousearlowbendingThroughthesegladNewYeardays，Tocatchthecountlessprayerstoheavenascending—
Fore’enhardheartsdoraiseSomesecretwishforfame，orgold，orpower，Orfreedomfromallcare—
Dear，patientChrist，wholistenethhouronhour，HearnowaChristian’sprayer。
Letthisyoungyearthat，silent，walksbesideme，BeasameansofgraceToleadmeup，nomatterwhatbetideme，NearertheMaster’sface。
IfitneedbethatereIreachtheFountainWherelivingwatersplay，Myfeetshouldbleedfromsharpstonesonthemountain，Thencasttheminmyway。
IfmyvainsoulneedsblowsandbitterlossesToshapeitforThycrown，Thenbruiseit，burnit，burdenitwithcrosses，Withsorrowsbearitdown。
DowhatThouwilttomouldmetoThypleasure，AndifIshouldcomplain，HeapfullofanguishyetanothermeasureUntilIsmileatpain。
Senddangers——deaths!buttellmehowtodarethem；
EnfoldmeinThycare。
Sendtrials，tears!butgivemestrengthtobearthem—
ThisisaChristian’sprayer。
INTHENIGHT
Sometimesatnight，whenIsitandwrite，Ihearthestrangestthings，—
Asmybraingrowshotwithburningthought，Thatstrugglesforformandwings，Icanhearthebeatofmyswiftblood’sfeet，AsitspeedswitharushandawhirFromhearttobrainandbackagain，Likearace—horseunderthespur。
Withmysoul’sfineearIlistenandhearThetenderSilencespeak，AsitleansonthebreastofNighttorest，Andpresseshisduskycheek。
Andthedarknessturnsinitssleep，andyearnsForsomethingthatiskin；
AndIhearthehissofascorchingkiss，AsitfoldsandfondlesSin。
Initshurryingracethroughleaguesofspace，IcanheartheEarthcatchbreath，Asitheavesandmoans，andshuddersandgroans，AndlongsfortherestofDeath。
Andhighandfar，fromadistantstar，Whosenameisunknowntome，Ihearavoicethatsays，"Rejoice，ForIkeepwardo’erthee!"
Oh，sweetandstrangearethesoundsthatrangeThroughthechambersofthenight；
Andthewatcherwhowaitsbythedim，darkgatesMayhear，ifhelistsaright。
GOD’SMEASURE
GodmeasuressoulsbytheircapacityForentertaininghisbestAngel，Love。
WholovethmostisnearestkintoGod，WhoisallLove，orNothing。
HewhositsAndlooksoutonthepalpitatingworld，AndfeelshisheartswellwithinhimlargeenoughToholdallmenwithinit，heisnearHisgreatCreator’sstandard，thoughhedwellsOutsidethepaleofchurches，andknowsnotAfeast—dayfromafast—day，oralineOfScriptureeven。WhatGodwantsofusIsthatoutreachingbignessthatignoresAlllittlenessofaims，orloves，orcreeds，AndclaspsallEarthandHeaveninitsembrace。
AMARCHSNOW
Lettheoldsnowbecoveredwiththenew：
Thetrampledsnow，sosoiled，andstained，andsodden。
LetitbehiddenwhollyfromourviewBypurewhiteflakes，alltracklessanduntrodden。
WhenWinterdies，lowatthesweetSpring’sfeet，Lethimbemantledinaclean，whitesheet。
Lettheoldlifebecoveredbythenew：
Theoldpastlifesofullofsadmistakes，LetitbewhollyhiddenfromtheviewBydeedsaswhiteandsilentassnow—flakes。
ErethisearthlifemeltsintheeternalSpringLetthewhitemantleofrepentanceflingSoftdraperyaboutit，foldonfold，Evenasthenewsnowcoversuptheold。
PHILOSOPHY
Atmornthewisemanwalkedabroad，Proudwiththelearningofgreatfools。
Helaughedandsaid，"ThereisnoGod—
’Tisforcecreates，’tisreasonrules。"
Meekwiththewisdomofgreatfaith，Atnighthekneltwhileangelssmiled，Andweptandcriedwithanguishedbreath，"Jehovah，GOD，saveThoumychild。"
"CARLOS"
LastnightIkneltlowatmylady’sfeet。
Onesoft，caressinghandplayedwithmyhair，AndoneIkissedandfondled。Kneelingthere，Ideemedmymeedofhappinesscomplete。
Shewassofair，sofullofwitchingwiles—
Offascinatingtricksofmouthandeye；
Sowomanlywithal，butnottooshy—
Andallmyheavenwascompassedbyhersmiles。
Hersofttouchonmycheekandforeheadsent，Likelittlearrows，thrillsoftendernessThroughallmyframe。ItrembledwithexcessOflove，andsighedthesighofgreatcontent。
Whenanymortaldarestosorejoice，IthinkajealousHeaven，bendinglow，Reachesasternhandforthanddealsablow。
SweetthroughtheduskIheardmylady’svoice。
"Mylove!"shesighed，"myCarlos!"evennowIfeeltheperfumedzephyrofherbreathBearingtomethosewordsoflivingdeath，Andstartingoutthecolddropsonmybrow。
ForIamPAUL——notCarlos!WhoisheThat，inthesupremehouroflove’sdelight，Veiledbytheshadowsofthefallingnight，Sheshouldbreathelowhisname，forgettingme？
Iwillnotaskher!’twereafruitlesstask，For，woman—like，shewouldmakemebelieveSomewell—toldtale；andsigh，andseemtogrieve，Andcallmecruel。Nay，Iwillnotask。
ButthismanCarlos，whosoe’erhebe，Hasturnedmycupofnectarintogall，SinceIknowhehasclaimedsomeoneorallOfthesedelightsmyladygrantstome。
Hemusthavekneltandkissedher，insomesadAndtendertwilight，whenthedaygrewdim。
HowelsecouldIremindhersoofhim？
Why，reverieslikethesehavemademenmad!
Hemusthavefelthersofthandonhisbrow。
IfHeavenwereshockedatsuchpresumptuouswrongs，Andplungedhiminthegrave，wherehebelongs，STILLSHEREMEMBERS，thoughshelovesmenow。
Andifhelives，andmeetsmetohiscost，Why，whatavailsit？ImusthearandseeThatcurstname"Carlos"alwayshauntingme—
SohasanotherParadisebeenlost。
THETWOGLASSES
Theresattwoglassesfilledtothebrim，Onarichman’stable，rimtorim。
Onewasruddyandredasblood，Andonewasclearasthecrystalflood。
Saidtheglassofwinetohispalerbrother，"Letustelltalesofthepasttoeachother；
Icantellofabanquet，andrevel，andmirth，WhereIwasking，forIruledinmight；
FortheproudestandgrandestsoulsonearthFellundermytouch，asthoughstruckwithblight。
FromtheheadsofkingsIhavetornthecrown；
FromtheheightsoffameIhavehurledmendown。
Ihaveblastedmanyanhonouredname；
Ihavetakenvirtueandgivenshame；
Ihavetemptedtheyouthwithasip，ataste，Thathasmadehisfutureabarrenwaste。
FargreaterthananykingamI，Orthananyarmybeneaththesky。
Ihavemadethearmofthedriverfail，Andsentthetrainfromtheironrail。
Ihavemadegoodshipsgodownatsea，Andtheshrieksofthelostweresweettome。
Fame，strength，wealth，geniusbeforemefall；
Andmymightandpowerareoverall!
Ho，ho!palebrother，"saidthewine，"Canyouboastofdeedsasgreatasmine？"
Saidthewater—glass："IcannotboastOfakingdethroned，oramurderedhost，ButIcantellofheartsthatweresadBymycrystaldropsmadebrightandglad；
OfthirstsIhavequenched，andbrowsIhavelaved；
OfhandsIhavecooled，andsoulsIhavesaved。
Ihaveleaptthroughthevalley，dasheddownthemountain，Sleptinthesunshine，anddrippedfromthefountain。
Ihaveburstmycloud—fetters，anddroppedfromthesky，Andeverywheregladdenedtheprospectandeye；
Ihaveeasedthehotforeheadoffeverandpain；
Ihavemadetheparchedmeadowsgrowfertilewithgrain。
Icantellofthepowerfulwheelofthemill，Thatgroundouttheflour，andturnedatmywill。
Icantellofmanhooddebasedbyyou，ThatIhaveupliftedandcrownedanew。
Icheer，Ihelp，Istrengthenandaid；
Igladdentheheartofmanandmaid；
Isetthewine—chainedcaptivefree，Andallarebetterforknowingme。"
Thesearethetalestheytoldeachother，Theglassofwineanditspalerbrother，Astheysattogether，filledtothebrim，Onarichman’stable，rimtorim。
LAMORTD’AMOUR
Whenwasitthatlovedied？Weweresofond，Soveryfondalittlewhileago。
Withleapingpulses，andbloodallaglow，Wedreamedaboutasweeterlifebeyond，Whenweshoulddwelltogetherasoneheart，Andscarcecouldwaitthathappytimetocome。
Nowsidebysidewesitwithlipsquitedumb，Andfeelourselvesathousandmilesapart。
Howwasitthatlovedied？Idonotknow。
IonlyknowthatallitsgraceuntoldHasfadedintogray!ImissthegoldFromourdullskies；butdidnotseeitgo。
Whyshouldlovedie？Weprizedit，Iamsure；
Wethoughtofnothingelsewhenitwasours；
Wecherisheditinsmiling，sunlitbowers：
Itwasourall；whycoulditnotendure？
Alas，weknownothow，orwhen，orwhyThisdearthingdied。Weonlyknowitwent，Andleftusdull，cold，andindifferent；
Wewhofoundheavenonceineachother’ssigh。
Howpitifulitis，andyethowtrueThathalftheloversintheworld，oneday，Lookquestioningineachother’seyesthiswayAndknowlove’sgoneforever，aswedo。
SometimesIcannothelpbutthink，dearheart，AsIlookouto’erallthewide，sadearthAndseelove’sflamegoneoutonmanyahearth，Thatthosewhowouldkeeplovemustdwellapart。
LOVE’SSLEEP
（VersdeSociete）
We’llcoverLovewithroses，AndsweetsleepheshalltakeNonebutafoolsupposesLovealwayskeepsawake。
I’veknownloveswithoutnumber—
Trueloveswerethey，andtried；
AndjustforwantofslumberTheypinedawayanddied。
OurlovewasbrightandcheerfulAlittlewhileagone；
Nowheispaleandtearful，And——yes，I’veseenhimyawn。
SotiredisheofkissesThathecanonlyweep；
TheonedearthinghemissesAndlongsfornowissleep。
WecouldnotlethimleaveusOnetime，hewassodear，ButnowitwouldnotgrieveusIfheslepthalfayear。
Forhehashadhisseason，Likethelilyandtherose，AnditbutstandstoreasonThatheshouldwantrepose。
WeprizedthesmilingCupidWhomadeourdayssobright；
ButhehasgrownsostupidWegladlysaygood—night。
AndifhewakenstenderAndfond，andfairaswhenHefilledourliveswithsplendour，We’lltakehimbackagain。
Andshouldheneverwaken，Asthatperchancemaybe，Wewillnotweepforsaken，Butsing，"Love，tra—la—lee!"
TRUECULTURE
Thehighestcultureistospeaknoill，ThebestreformeristhemanwhoseeyesArequicktoseeallbeautyandallworth；
Andbyhisowndiscreet，well—orderedlife，Alonereprovestheerring。
WhenthygazeTurnsinonthineownsoul，bemostsevere。
Butwhenitfallsuponafellow—manLetkindlinesscontrolit；andrefrainFromthatbelittlingcensurethatspringsforthFromcommonlipslikeweedsfrommarshysoil。
THEVOLUPTUARY
Oh，Iamsickoflovereciprocated，Ofhopesfulfilled，ambitionsgratified。
Lifeholdsnothingtobeanticipated，AndIamsadfrombeingsatisfied。
TheeagerjoyfeltclimbingupamountainHasleftmenowthehighestpointisgained。
ThecrystalspraythatfellfromFame’sfairfountainWassweeterthanthewaterswerewhendrained。
Thegildedapplewhichtheworldcallspleasure，AndwhichIpurchasedwithmyyouthandstrength，Pleasedmeamoment。ButtheemptytreasureLostallitslustre，andgrewdimatlength。
Andlove，allglowingwithagoldenglory，Delightedmeaseasonwithitstale。
Itpleasedthelongest，butatlastthestory，Sooftrepeated，tomyheartgrewstale。
Ilivedforself，andallIaskedwasgiven，Ihavehadall，andnowamsickofbliss，NootherpunishmentdesignedbyHeavenCouldstrikemehalfsoforciblyasthis。
IfeelnosenseofaughtbutenervationInallthejoysmyselfishaimshavebrought，Andknownowishbutforannihilation，SincethatwouldgivemefreedomfromthethoughtOh，blestishewhohassomeaimdefeated；
Somemightylosstobalanceallhisgain。
Forhimthereisahopenotyetcompleted；
Forhimhathlifeyetdraughtsofjoyandpain。
Butcursedishewhohasnobalkedambition，Nohopelesshope，nolossbeyondrepair，Butsickandsatedwithcompletefruition，Keepsnotthepleasureevenofdespair。
THECOQUETTE
Aloneshesatwithheraccusingheart，That，likearestlesscomrade，frightenedsleep，AndeverythoughtthatfoundherleftadartThathurtherso，shecouldnotevenweep。
HerheartthatoncehadbeenacupwellfilledWithlove’sredwine，saveforsomedropsofgall，Sheknewwasempty；thoughithadnotspilledItssweetsforone，butwastedthemonall。
Shestooduponthegraveofherdeadtruth，Andsawhersoul’sbrightarmourredwithrust，AndknewthatalltherichesofheryouthWereDeadSeaapples，crumblingintodust。
Lovethathadturnedtobitter，bitingscorn，Hearthstonesdespoiled，andhomesmadedesolate，MadehercryoutthatshewaseverbornToloatheherbeautyandtocurseherfate。
IF
Dearlove，ifyouandIcouldsailaway，Withsnowypennonstothewindsunfurled，Acrossthewatersofsomeunknownbay，Andfindsomeislandfarfromalltheworld；
Ifwecoulddwellthere，evermorealone，Whileunrecordedyearsslipbyapace，ForgettingandforgottenandunknownByaughtsavenativesong—birdsoftheplace；
IfWinternevervisitedthatland，AndSummer’slapspilledo’erwithfruitsandflowers，Andtropictreescastshadeoneveryhand，Andtwinedboughsformedsleep—invitingbowers；
Iffromthefashionsoftheworldsetfree，Andhidawayfromallitsjealousstrife，Ilivedaloneforyou，andyouforme—
Ah!then，dearlove，howsweetwereweddedlife。
Butsincewedwellhereinthecrowdedway，Wherehurryingthrongsrushbytoseekforgold，Andalliscommonplaceandworkaday，Assoonaslove’syounghoneymoongrowsold；
Sincefashionrulesandnatureyieldstoart，Andlifeishurtbydailyjarandfret，’TisbesttoshutsuchdreamsdownintheheartAndgoourwaysalone，love，andforget。
LOVE’SBURIAL
Letusclearalittlespace，AndmakeLoveaburial—place。
Heisdead，dear，asyousee，Andheweariesyouandme。
Growingheavier，daybyday，Letusburyhim，Isay。
Wingsofdeadwhitebutterflies，Theseshallshroudhim，asheliesInhiscasketrichandrare，Madeoffinestmaiden—hair。
WiththepollenoftheroseLetushiswhiteeyelidsclose。
Puttherosethorninhishand，Shornofleaves——youunderstand。
LetsomeholywaterfallOnhisdeadface，tearsofgall—
Aswekneelbyhimandsay，"Dreamstodreams，"andturnaway。
Thosegravediggers，Doubt，Distrust，Theywilllowerhimtothedust。
Letuspartherewithakiss—
Yougothatway，Igothis。
SinceweburiedLoveto—dayWewillwalkaseparateway。
LIPPO
Nowwemustpart，myLippo。Evenso，Igrievetoseethysuddenpainedsurprise；
Gazenotonmewithsuchaccusingeyes—
’TwasthineownhandwhichdealtdearLove’sdeath—blow。
Ilovedtheefondlyyesterday。TillthenThyheartwaslikeacoveredgoldencupAlwaysabovemyeagerlipheldup。
Ifanciedthouwertnotasothermen。
IknewthatheartwasfilledwithLove’ssweetwine，Pressedwhollyformydrinking。AndmylipGrewparchedwiththirstingforonenectaredsipOfwhat，deniedme，seemedadraughtdivine。
Lastevening，inthegloaming，thatcupspilledItspreciouscontents。EventotheleesWereofferedtome，saying，"Drinkofthese!"
And，whenIsawitempty，Lovewaskilled。
Nowordwasleftunsaid，noactundone，Toprovetomethouwertmyabjectslave。
Ah!Love，hadstthoubeenwiseenoughtosaveOnelittledropofthatsweetwine——butone—
Istillhadlovedthee，longingforitthen。
Buteventhecupismine。Ilookwithin，Andfinditholdsnotonelastdroptowin，Andcastitdown。——Thouartasothermen。
"LOVEISENOUGH"
Loveisenough。Letusnotaskforgold。
Wealthbreedsfalseaims，andprideandselfishness；
Inthoseserene，ArcadiandaysofoldMengavenothoughttoprincelyhomesanddress，ThegodswhodweltonfairOlympia’sheightLivedonlyfordearloveandlove’sdelight。
Loveisenough。
Loveisenough。Whyshouldwecareforfame？
Ambitionisamostunpleasantguest：
ItluresuswiththegloryofanameFarfromthehappyhauntsofpeaceandrest。
LetusstayhereinthissecludedplaceMadebeautifulbylove’sendearinggrace!
Loveisenough。
Loveisenough。Whyshouldwestriveforpower？
Itbringsmenonlyenvyanddistrust。
Thepoorworld’shomagepleasesbutanhour，Andearthlyhonoursvanishinthedust。
Thegrandestlivesareofttimesdesolate；
Letmebeloved，andletwhowillbegreat。
Loveisenough。
Loveisenough。Whyshouldweaskformore？
Whatgreatergifthavegodsvouchsafedtomen？
WhatbetterboonofalltheirpreciousstoreThanourfondheartsthatloveandloveagain？
Oldlovemaydie；newloveisjustassweet；
Andlifeisfairandalltheworldcomplete：
Loveisenough!
LIFEISLOVE
Isanyonesadintheworld，Iwonder？
Doesanyoneweeponadaylikethis，Withthesunaboveandthegreenearthunder？
Why，whatislifebutadreamofbliss？
Withthesunandtheskiesandthebirdsaboveme，Birdsthatsingastheywheelandfly—
Withthewindstofollowandsaytheylovedme—
Whocouldbelonely？Oho，notI!
Somebodysaidinthestreetthismorning，AsIopenedmywindowtoletinthelight，Thatthedarkestdayoftheworldwasdawning；
ButIlooked，andtheEastwasagorgeoussightOnewhoclaimsthatheknowsaboutitTellsmetheEarthisavaleofsin；
ButIandthebeesandthebirds——wedoubtit，Andthinkitaworldworthlivingin。
Someonesaysthatheartsarefickle，Thatloveissorrow，thatlifeiscare，AndthereaperDeath，withhisshiningsickle，Gatherswhateverisbrightandfair。
Itoldthethrush，andwelaughedtogether—
Laughedtillthewoodswerealla—ring；
Andhesaidtome，asheplumedeachfeather，"Well，peoplemustcroak，iftheycannotsing!"
Upheflew，buthissong，remaining，Ranglikeabellinmyheartallday，AndsilencedthevoicesofweakcomplainingThatpipelikeinsectsalongtheway。
Oworldoflight，andOworldofbeauty!
Wherearetherepleasuressosweetasthine？
Yes，lifeislove，andloveisduty；
Andwhatheartsorrows？Ono，notmine!