XIX
“You wonder why I wander ’neath the vault
Of heaven here and fain would ask—
’Tis but to beg forgiveness of a fault
And do again another ill-done task.
XX
“Though young in life, in wisdom now I’m old,
For I’ve passed through the chast’ning purge of fire;
My harp, though silver now, will soon be gold,
When time has passed and I have mounted higher.
XXI
“Along the path with slow increasing pace
Into the realms of peace where all is light;
’Till I have reached my time allotted seat,
There, to enjoy the beatific sight.
XXII
“Of God for aye and His hosannas sing,
Amidst the saints of His twice chosen few,
Before the treble throne of God, our King,
The vision of whose glory’s ever new.
XXIII
“The path is long, yet shorter may be made
By alms and prayers and other deeds of worth;
The happy day may, too, long be delayed
By thoughtless unforgiving hearts on earth.