The Opal.
The superstitious gravely claim
This gem sheds baleful gleams;
One wearing it may come to shame
Or grief, and even his dreams
Will be distorted, and blame
Fall on him for unjust cause.
Were this so, to me it seems
I'd wear it still, and never pause
To think if true, but keep right on
The self-same way, and duty do
Through good or ill, night or dawn;
Striving to be as brave and true
Till breath and life were gone,
And heaven loomed in view.
This gem sheds baleful gleams;
One wearing it may come to shame
Or grief, and even his dreams
Will be distorted, and blame
Fall on him for unjust cause.
Were this so, to me it seems
I'd wear it still, and never pause
To think if true, but keep right on
The self-same way, and duty do
Through good or ill, night or dawn;
Striving to be as brave and true
Till breath and life were gone,
And heaven loomed in view.