80
THE PEARL-DIVER.
That all thy wandering way with love was paved,
Through the dark waters to the great white throne.
Count up the stars that on thy midnight shone,
And bless His hand in all. O friend, press on!
Through the dark waters to the great white throne.
Count up the stars that on thy midnight shone,
And bless His hand in all. O friend, press on!
The angel of His presence is with thee,
And wondrous things thou canst not now divine
Are born from these lone watches. Shall not He
Gather His myrrh-dew with His spice and wine?
He does not call for songs in winter time
From frozen waters, waveless at His word,
Nor ask for flowers in a sunless clime,
Nor lordly pæans from the unstrung chord.
Thou dost remember Him, though joy hath flown.
Better than wine His love. Be brave—press on!
And wondrous things thou canst not now divine
Are born from these lone watches. Shall not He
Gather His myrrh-dew with His spice and wine?
He does not call for songs in winter time
From frozen waters, waveless at His word,
Nor ask for flowers in a sunless clime,
Nor lordly pæans from the unstrung chord.
Thou dost remember Him, though joy hath flown.
Better than wine His love. Be brave—press on!
There was an hour—all storm-cloud, and no cheer—
When from Gethsemane's dark grove was heard
The supplicating cry; ere, drawing near,
An angel strengthened his suffering Lord.
No angel comes to thee: but He who kept
That vigil, with His heart-blood measuring forth
The depth of untold anguish, while there slept
Close by His side the dearest friends of earth;
His arm encircles thee. Trust Him alone:
The dawn is breaking—falter not, press on!
When from Gethsemane's dark grove was heard
The supplicating cry; ere, drawing near,
An angel strengthened his suffering Lord.
No angel comes to thee: but He who kept
That vigil, with His heart-blood measuring forth
The depth of untold anguish, while there slept
Close by His side the dearest friends of earth;
His arm encircles thee. Trust Him alone:
The dawn is breaking—falter not, press on!
