Page:Astrophel and other poems (IA astrophelotherpo00swiniala).pdf/52

Fate, more high than the star-shown sky, more deep than
waters unsounded, shines
Keen and far as the final star on souls that seek not for
charms or signs;
Yet more bright is the love-shown light of men's hands
lighted in songs or shrines.

Love and trust that the grave's deep dust can soil not,
neither may fear put out,
Witness yet that their record set stands fast, though
years be as hosts in rout,
Spent and slain; but the signs remain that beat back
darkness and cast forth doubt.

Men that wrought by the grace of thought and toil
things goodlier than praise dare trace,
Fair as all that the world may call most fair, save only
the sea's own face,
Shrines or songs that the world's change wrongs not,
live by grace of their own gift's grace.