Jephthah and Other Mysteries

152 MYSTERIES: Such an one wrote that word as I would meet, Lay my life’s burden at his silver feet, Have him give ear if I say “ Master.” Yea! I know no heaven, no honour, half so sweet ! He passed before. me on the wheel of Time, He who knows no Time—the intense sublime Master of all philosophy and play, Lord of all love and music and sweet rhyme. Follow thou him! Work ever, if thy heart Be fervent with one hope, thy brain with art, | Thy lips with song, thine arm with strength to smite : Achieve some act; its name shall not depart. Christ laid Love’s corner-stone, and Cesar built The tower of glory; Sappho’s life was spilt _ From fervent lips the torch of song t’ ignite : Thou mayst add yet a stone—if but thou wilt. And yet the days stream by; night shakes the day From his pale throne of purple, to allay The tremors of the earth ; day smiteth dark With the swift poignard dipped in Helios’ ray. The days stream by; with lips and cheeks grown pale On their indomitable breast we sail. There is a favouring wind ; our idle bark Lingers, we raise no silk to meet the gale.