LYRICAL AND DRAMATIC. 151
Remember Him, but smite. No workman hews
His stone aright whose nervy arms refuse
To ply the chisel, but are raised to ask
A visionary foreman he may choose
From the distortions of a sodden mind.
God did first work on earth when womankind
He chipped from Adam’s rib—a thankless task
I wot His wisdom has long since repined.
Christ touched the leper and the widow's son ;
And thou wouldst serve the work the Perfect One
_ Began, by folding arms and gazing up
o heaven, as if thy work were rightly done.
I tell thee, He should say, if ye were met:
“Thou hadst a talent—ah, thou hast it yet
Wrapped ina napkin—thou shalt drain the cup
Of that damnation that may not forget
“The wasted hours!” Ah, bitter interest
Of our youth’s capital—forgotten zest _
In all the pleasures of o’erflowing life,
Wine tasteless, tired the brain, and cold the breast !
Ah! but if with it is one good deed wrought, |
One kind word spoken, one immortal thought
Born in thee, all is paid, the weary strife
Grows victory. “ Love is all and Death is nought.”