4. "Which sigh wouldst mock, of all the sighs? The one 5. "You had not thought she was so tall and spent, Her shrunk lids open, her lean fingers shut Close, close, their sharp and livid nails indent The clammy palm; then all is mute: That way, the spirit went. 6. "Or wouldst thou rather that I understand Thy will to help me ?-like the dog I found Once, pacing sad this solitary strand, Who would not take my food, poor hound, But whined and licked my hand." 7. All this, and more, comes from some young man's pride Relinquishment, disgrace, on every side,- Helps to his path untried: 8. Instances he must-simply recognize? Oh, more than so!-must, with a learner's zeal, Make doubly prominent, twice emphasize, By added touches that reveal The god in babe's disguise. 9. Oh, he knows what defeat means, and the rest! His triumph, in eternity Too plainly manifest! 10. Whence, judge if he learn forthwith what the wind Means in its moaning-by the happy, prompt, Instinctive way of youth, I mean; for kind Calm years, exacting their accompt Of pain, mature the mind: 11. And some midsummer morning, at the lull 12. Then, when the wind begins among the vines, 13. Nothing can be as it has been before; 14. Simple? Why this is the old woe o' the world; 15. That's a new question; still replies the fact, Nothing endures: the wind moans, saying so; We moan in acquiescence: there's life's pact, Perhaps probation-do I know? God does endure His act! C 16. Only, for man, how bitter not to grave On his soul's hands' palms one fair, good, wise thing Just as he grasped it! For himself, death's wave; While time first washes-ah, the sting! O'er all he'd sink to save. VII. AMONG THE ROCKS. 1. Oh, good gigantic smile o' the brown old earth, This autumn morning! How he sets his bones To bask i' the sun, and thrusts out knees and feet For the ripple to run over in its mirth; Listening the while, where on the heap of stones The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet. 2. That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows. If you loved only what were worth your love, Make the low nature better by your throes! |