“Some pure ideal of a noble life That once seemed possible?”

One by one the sands are flowing

Be strong, O Heart of mine, Look towards the light!

I was weary and ill at ease, and my fingers wandered idly over the noisy keys.

One by one bright gifts from heaven Joys are sent thee here below

Lead me, O Lord, till perfect Day shall shine through Peace to Light.

I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be a pleasant road.

For when the horse and ass begin to think and argue, adieu to riding and driving.

Words are mighty, words are living:Serpents with their venomous stings,Or bright angels, crowding round us

Hark! the hours are softly calling Bidding Spring arise To listen to the rain-drops falling From the cloudy skies

I know too well the poison and the sting of things too sweet.

Dreams grow holy put in action.

Have we not all, amid life’s petty strife

Do not strive to grasp them all.

On her charm’d way But hasten to her task of beauty Scarcely yet begun.

Did we not hear The flutter of its wings, and feel it near, And just within our reach? It was.

Do no cheat thy Heart and tell her, ‘Grief will pass away.’