University of Virginia Library


177

II

Now many a year since then is past and o'er,
But men not yet to love's high law subdued;
The evil still is fain to blast the good;
Wrong wrestles still with right at all things' core;
And some, who guess the secret of love's lore,
Speak, very mighty in their voice and mood;
And some, who know that secret's plenitude,
Lay down their lives, as men lay down their store.
Wilt thou, O man, deliver men from wrong,
'Tis not enough thy substance to bestow;
And not enough to send thy heart along
Upon the rhythmic tide of passionate song;
Thyself, thy soul, thy body, all must go:—
Thou knowest not the rest, but God doth know.