[80]

Would we but love what will not pass away!

The sun that on each morning shines as clear

As when it rose first on the world's first year;

The fresh green leaves that rustle on the spray.

The sun will shine, the leaves will be as gay

When graves are full of all our hearts held dear,

When not a soul of those who loved us here,

Not one, is left us—creatures of decay.

Yea, love the Abiding in the Universe

Which was before, and will be after us.

Nor yet for ever hanker and vainly cry

For human love—the beings that change or die;

Die—change—forget: to care so is a curse,

Yet cursed we'll be rather than not care thus.

[81]

Divest thyself, O Soul, of vain desire!

Bid hope farewell, dismiss all coward fears;

Take leave of empty laughter, emptier tears,

And quench, for ever quench, the wasting fire

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