To speak, to speech, to vaunt and preach,
How passing easy ’tis!
But to stretch forth a loving hand
To souls in Ill’s abyss,—
Such is the noblest part of Life;
Ay, well to know it deep!
For Speech, ’mid daily Stress and Strife
Oft rocks the Deed asleep!
AN IDYLL OF THE BROADS
As on a river fair I sped,—