Still hope! still act! Be sure that life
The source and strength of every good,
Wastes down in feeling's empty strife,
And dies in dreaming's sickly mood.
To toil in tasks however mean
For all we know of right and true--
In this alone our worth is seen,
'Tis this we were ordained to do.
So shalt thou find, in work and thought:
The peace that sorrow cannot give;
Though grief's worst pangs to thee be taught,
By thee let others nobler live.
Oh, wait not in the darksome forest,
Where thou must needs be left alone,
But e'en when memory is sorest,
Seek out a path and journey on!
Thou wilt have angels near above
By whom invisible aid is given;
They journey still on tasks of love,
And never rest except in heaven.
--John Sterling.