University of Virginia Library


62

The Gifts of the Gods

Once with life and love enamoured,
We besought the gods above;
“Send us love and life!” we clamoured,
And they sent us life and love.
Soon they over-filled the measure;
Soon we prayed them, “Grant us calm!”
But they answered, “Pain is pleasure!
“Crush from bitter herbs the balm!
“Forms of beauty ye may fashion
“From the anguish of the heart;
“Only by the cross of passion
“Can ye win the crown of Art.”