University of Virginia Library


136

XL. MY POST

Oh, have I not this post—to sing for ever for thee?
To shed the glory of song and love's vast sunshine o'er thee,
Watchful lest harm befall.
Oh, have I not this right, supremely grand and fateful,
For which of all God's gifts I am to God most grateful,—
The right to suffer for thee more than all?
This is my part, my post. No man can take it from me.
No strength can now disarm, no sword-edge can displume me:
In front of thee I stand.
To die for thee were sweet. To live for thee is harder.
Yet, patient, this I do,—an ever watchful warder
At the sweet golden gates of fairy-land.