For works with similar titles, see Consolation.
CONSOLATION?
What consolation doth a brave man need
Who has lived oat a full and active life?
In living it he has received his meed
Of happiness, and so may rest from strife
Content that consciousness is his no more.
Life is at best a gift of doubtful good;
"Call no man happy till his life is o'er,"
One said who deeply felt and understood;
But for the mass whose lives are but a scene
Of endless care, misfortune, and distress,
Death cometh like a lovely and serene
Sun-setting after storm to calm and bless:
The happy by their happiness are paid,
Th' unhappy at the least their ills evade.
Who has lived oat a full and active life?
In living it he has received his meed
Of happiness, and so may rest from strife
Content that consciousness is his no more.
Life is at best a gift of doubtful good;
"Call no man happy till his life is o'er,"
One said who deeply felt and understood;
But for the mass whose lives are but a scene
Of endless care, misfortune, and distress,
Death cometh like a lovely and serene
Sun-setting after storm to calm and bless:
The happy by their happiness are paid,
Th' unhappy at the least their ills evade.