To Die or Live? 

 At least he knew his fate—Condemned to die! He bade farewell to all, Then went below. The darkness closed around him like a pall The dead. Yet drain the bitter cup of woe For her, e'en to the dregs, he would without a sigh. 

At least he knew his fate—Condemned to die!

He bade farewell to all,

Then went below.

The darkness closed around him like a pall

The dead. Yet drain the bitter cup of woe

 Yet did he not despair. Athwart the gloom A gleam of hope there stole. As clothed in light, He saw the form that could his fears control, And which the darkness only made more bright— It was her angel presence lit his rock-hewn tomb! 

Yet did he not despair. Athwart the gloom

A gleam of hope there stole.

As clothed in light,

He saw the form that could his fears control,

And which the darkness only made more bright—

 It beckoned him; he boldly followed till, Beside the narrow cleft, His axe had wrought, It stood. He saw the fissure wider reft. To challenge death then fly—ignoble thought!— He knelt and prayed: "O God, but show me now Thy will!" 

It beckoned him; he boldly followed till,

Beside the narrow cleft,

His axe had wrought,

It stood. He saw the fissure wider reft.

To challenge death then fly—ignoble thought!—

 

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