University of Virginia Library

THE BURDEN OF BURDENS.

Before the morning I began my toil,
And when the sun had set I laboured still
With steadfast hands, nor fled from that sad soil
Which winds around the world its hateful coil;
My spirit spared no effort, for the will
That bore me bravely through the flood of ill,
Was mighty on me as a holy oil,
To consecrate the most unworthy skill,

728

And through the night I drudged until the day,
While fair stars sweetly rose and sweetly set,
For faith upheld me with its deathless ray;
But when the seal of heaven my labours met,
Earth only cursed me for the thankless debt,
And turned again to its old sordid way.