Only the waters ripple away

Under our feet as we gather tears.

God has made mortals for the years,

Us for alway!

God has made mortals full of fears,

[Pg 5]

Fears for the night and fears for the day.

If they would free them from grief that sears,

If they would keep all that love endears,

If they would lay no more lilies on biers—

Let them say!

For we are swift to enchant and tire

Time's will!

Our feet are wiser than all desire,

Our song is better than faith or fame;

To whom it is given no ill e'er came,

Who has it not grows chill!

Who has it not grows laggard and lame,

Nor knows that the world is a Minstrel's lyre,

Smitten and never still!...

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