Ambergris

AMBERGRIS 21 We have no more day, we are fain to say Alas ! In Love’s a cure For Fortune’s hate ; In Love’s a lure Shall laugh at Fate ; We have tolled Death’s knell ; All streams are pure ; We are new-create ; All’s well, all’s well ! We have God to endure, we are very sure All’s well ! In such wise rang the challenge unto Death With clear high eloquence and happy breath ; So did a brave sad heart grow glad again And mock the riddle that the dead Sphinx saith. When I am dead, remember me for this That I bade workers work, and lovers kiss ; Laughed with the Stoic at the dream of pain, And preached with Jesus the evangel bliss. When I am dead, think kindly. Rail my song ! ’Twas the poor utterance of an eager tongue ; I stutter in my rime ? my heart was full Of greater longings, more divinely wrung By love and pity and regret and trust, High hope from heaven that God will be just, Spurn not the child because his mind was dull, Still less condemn him for his father’s lust. Yet I think priests shall answer Him in vain : Their gospel of disgrace, disease, and pain, Shall move His heart of Love to such a wrath O Heart ! Turn back and look on Love again !