TO MY SOUL.
From the French of Victor Hugo.
You stray, my soul, whilst gazing on the sky!
The path of duty is the path of life!
Sit by the cold hearth where dead ashes lie,
Put on the captive's chain—endure the strife.
Be but a servant in this realm of night,
O child of light!
To lost and wandering feet deliverance bring;
Fulfil the perfect law of suffering;
Drink to the dregs the bitter cup; remain
In battle last; be first in tears and pain—
Then, with a prayer that much may be forgiven,
Go back to Heaven!
C.E. Meetkerke.