12
OUTGROWN
She has struggled, and yearned, and aspired,—grown stronger and wiser each year;
The stars are not farther above you, in yon luminous atmosphere!
The stars are not farther above you, in yon luminous atmosphere!
For she whom you crowned with fresh roses, down yonder, five summers ago,
Has learned that the first of our duties to God and ourselves is to grow.
Has learned that the first of our duties to God and ourselves is to grow.
Her eyes they are sweeter and calmer, but their vision is clearer as well;
Her voice has a tenderer cadence, but it rings like a silver bell.
Her voice has a tenderer cadence, but it rings like a silver bell.
Her face has the look worn by those who with God and his angels have talked;
The white robes she wears are less white than the spirits with whom she has walked.
The white robes she wears are less white than the spirits with whom she has walked.
And you? Have you aimed at the highest? Have you, too, aspired and prayed?
Have you looked upon evil unsullied? have you conquered it undismayed?
Have you looked upon evil unsullied? have you conquered it undismayed?
Have you, too, grown stronger and wiser, as the months and the years have rolled on?
Did you meet her this morning rejoicing in the triumph of victory won?
Did you meet her this morning rejoicing in the triumph of victory won?
Nay, hear me! The truth cannot harm you. When to-day in her presence you stood,
Was the hand that you gave her as white and clean as that of her womanhood?
Was the hand that you gave her as white and clean as that of her womanhood?
