The Poetical Works of Jonathan E. Hoag/To Jonathan E. Hoag, Poet
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To Jonathan E. Hoag, Poet
Death said: "Why should I spare this child,
Perchance for woe or shame?"
Life answered: "I have kept for him
A loved and honored name."
Perchance for woe or shame?"
Life answered: "I have kept for him
A loved and honored name."
Death said: "Why should this youth defy
My ever-piercing dart?"
Life answered: "I have given him
A strong and faithful heart."
My ever-piercing dart?"
Life answered: "I have given him
A strong and faithful heart."
Death said: "Why should this man be free
From common doubts and fears?"
Life answered: "He has learned to trust
The promise of the years."
From common doubts and fears?"
Life answered: "He has learned to trust
The promise of the years."
Death said: "Why should this aged one
His weary days prolong?"
Life answered: "He has won of me
The sacred gift of song."
His weary days prolong?"
Life answered: "He has won of me
The sacred gift of song."
Death said: "Yet is he mine at last."
"Nay, seek some other prize,"
Said Life, "Thy dart is powerless here;
The poet never dies!"
"Nay, seek some other prize,"
Said Life, "Thy dart is powerless here;
The poet never dies!"
James F. Morton, Jr.