Love is Best.
29
Saw snowy clouds flush tender pink, then glow with crimson fires;
Saw the golden gates of that fair land that holds our hearts' desires.
He saw them open, and a flood of radiant light stream out
As if some angel presence beckoned those who stood without.
He had gone forth, and dared and done what others failed to do;
When others fled appalled, or fell, he had pushed his way through.
"If to succeed is fame," he said, "I have succeeded well,
Yet, could they speak, a sorry tale my bleaching bones will tell.
My life is spent—no hallowed light will linger on my name;
Yet I have done what I essayed. 0! empty dream of fame
That lives but by the breath of men. Alas! how vain a quest!
Death comes; I welcome him. Dear heart! I knew that love was best!"
Saw the golden gates of that fair land that holds our hearts' desires.
He saw them open, and a flood of radiant light stream out
As if some angel presence beckoned those who stood without.
He had gone forth, and dared and done what others failed to do;
When others fled appalled, or fell, he had pushed his way through.
"If to succeed is fame," he said, "I have succeeded well,
Yet, could they speak, a sorry tale my bleaching bones will tell.
My life is spent—no hallowed light will linger on my name;
Yet I have done what I essayed. 0! empty dream of fame
That lives but by the breath of men. Alas! how vain a quest!
Death comes; I welcome him. Dear heart! I knew that love was best!"
