The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
 | XI. |
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GOLDEN SHEAVES
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 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
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GOLDEN SHEAVES
I
Through spring and summer we toil and slave,We suffer and strive and dream;
Our ships fly over the sun-bright wave,
Far, far as the waters gleam.
We struggle and wrestle for wealth and gold:
Though many a hope deceives,
Yet some men triumph as life grows old
And gather their golden sheaves—
Sheaves of silver and sheaves of gold,
Glorious golden sheaves!
II
But what is the sheaf that ever abides,That never can fade or pass?
That perishes not when Time derides
The blossoms and sundried grass?
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That grows with the autumn leaves:
Yes, all true lovers, when Time slays grief,
Shall gather their golden sheaves—
Beautiful golden sheaves of love,
Beautiful golden sheaves!
III
When sheaves of silver and sheaves of goldShall crumble and rust and die,
Love's beautiful sheaf shall ne'er grow old,—
It is garnered and stored on high.
Faith delivers the heart from fear,
And the righteous soul believes
That all who have toiled in the cornfields here
Shall gather their golden sheaves—
Shall gather their golden sheaves in heaven,
Infinite golden sheaves!
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |