Even so, O Life, all tremulous with woe,
Thou too didst cower when, without sound or jar,
From the high zenith sinking fast and far,
Thy sun went out of heaven! How couldst thou know
In that dark hour, that never tide could flow
So ebon-black, nor ever mountain-bar
Breast night so deep, without or moon or star,
But that the morning yet again must glow?
God never leaves thee in relentless dark.
Slowly the dawn on unbelieving eyes
Breaketh at last. Day brightens—and, oh hark!
A flood of bird-song from the tender skies!
From storm and darkness thou hast found an ark,
Shut in with this great marvel of surprise!
C. H. R.
(LOST OFF HAI-MUN IN THE CHINA SEA)
In what wide Wonderland, or near, or far,
Press on to-day thy swift adventurous feet—
Thou who wert wont the Orient skies to greet
With song and laughter, and to climb the bar
Of mountain ranges where the Cloud-gods are,
With brave, glad steps, as eager and as fleet
As a young lover’s, who, on errand sweet,
Seeks the one face that is his guiding star?
The far blue seas engulfed thee, oh! my brother,
But could not quench thy spirit’s lofty fire,
Nor daunt the soul that knew not how to quail.
Earth-quest thou didst but barter for another,
Where Alps on Alps before thee still aspire,
And where, in God’s name, thou shalt yet prevail!
A NEW BEATITUDE
L. G. W.
“A new beatitude I write for thee,
‘_Blessed are they who are not sure of things_,’
Nor strive to mount on feeble, finite wings
To heights where God’s strong angels, soaring free,
Halt and are silent.” Ah, the mystery!
To-day, O friend, beyond earth’s reckonings
Of time and space, beyond its jars and stings,
Thou enterest where the eternal secrets be!
Ay, thou art sure to-day! No more the bars
Of earth’s poor limitations hold thee back,
Setting their bounds to thine advancing feet.
Soar, lofty soul, beyond the farthest stars,
Where hope nor yearning e’er shall suffer lack,
Nor knowledge fail to any that entreat!