 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
Looking Before And After
How oft by passion, or by interest led,Men see not that they purpose, till 'tis done!
The string is snapt, the fatal arrow sped,
And to its mark it flies unerring on.
Look not before thee merely, but behind;
See how thy deed, when finished, will appear;
Like him who some fair temple has designed,
And views complete; ere men a column rear.
And see thy work, as it shall one day stand
Before thy spirit's pure, unclouded sight;
No longer subject to thy mortal hand,
But in Eternity's unchanging light!
Say, doth it then with added glory shine?
Then boldly act, thy deed is all divine.
Poem No. 195; c. 14 September 1850
| Jones Very : The Complete Poems | |