And gracious the season of each, and the hour of its kind,

And precious the seed of his life in a wise man's mind;

But all save life for his life will a base man give.

[Str. 4.

But a life that is given for the life of the whole live land,

From a heart unspotted a gift of a spotless hand,

Of pure will perfect and free, for the land's life's sake,

What man shall fear not to put forth his hand and take?

[Pg 46]

[Ant. 4.

For the fruit of a sweet life plucked in its pure green prime

On his hand who plucks is as blood, on his soul as crime.

800

With cursing ye buy not blessing, nor peace with strife,

And the hand is hateful that chaffers with death for life.

[Str. 5.

Hast thou heard, O my heart, and endurest

The word that is said,

What a garland by sentence found surest

Is wrought for what head?

 Prev. P 53/116 next