The everlasting fountain-springs o’er-run

In rills of joy, and life and he are one.{2}

{2}

Youth is life’s lover, eager to embrace

And reach the soul that lights so fair a face;

But, as the lover on the maid confers

From his own dreams a beauty more than hers,

So youth illumines with the radiant hues

Of heart’s desire the vision he pursues.

Man is life’s guardian;—unknown issues wait

On his intent: his sight directs blind fate.

’Tis his before the Belly-god to kneel,

Or sow the harvests of life’s commonweal,—

To quit his post, or guard through pain and death

The hope with which creation travaileth.

The child gives love, and makes the world his own;

Youth looks for harvests which he has not sown;

Man shares God’s burden on the road unknown.

{3}

FIRST HORIZONS

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