MICHELANGELESQUE. Shaping thy life what if the stubborn stuff With the soul's high invention, and thy art Seem a defeated thing, and earth rebuff Heaven's splendour, choosing darkness,-leave the rough Brute-parts unhewn. Toilest thou for the mart Or for the temple? Does the God see start Quick beauty from the block, it is enough. The wrestler stooping in the act to win, LIFE'S GAIN. "Now having gained Life's gain, how hold it fast? The harder task! because the world is still The world, and days creep slow, and wear the will, And leaves slain Faith, slain Hope, slain Love the last." O shallow lore of life! He who hath won Life's gain doth hold nought fast, who could hold all, Holden himself of strong, immortal Powers. COMPENSATION. You shake your head and talk of evil days: Of joyous living. But now to front my fears I set a counter-truth which comes and cheers Until stars gather into twilight skies? N TO A CHILD DEAD AS SOON AS BORN. A little wrath was on thy forehead, Boy, Being thus defeated; the resolved will Which death could not subdue, was threatening still From lip and brow. I know that it was joy No casual misadventure might destroy. To have lived, and fought and died. Therefore I kill The pang for thee, unknown; nor count it ill Where Life would plant a warder keen and pure. I thought to see a little piteous clay The grave had need of, pale from light obscure February 1871. BROTHER DEATH. When thou would'st have me go with thee, O Death, Over the utmost verge, to the dim place, Practise upon me with no amorous grace Of fawning lips, and words of delicate breath, Nor think for me there must be sought-out ways Of cloud and terror; have we many days Nay, be there plainness 'twixt us; come to me And dare to lay my forehead where the whole Shadow lies deep of thy purpureal hair. |