Do you wonder at my smiling?
Do you wonder that I faint not 'neath the burden of my load?
O, the gloom and toil and duty
Change to light and praise and beauty
While I'm looking toward the end of the road.
Though the way is long and dreary,
And I languish for a happier, a more serene abode,
As the light of earth grows dimmer,
Looking up, I see the glimmer
Of its glory at the end of the road.
Though the talent seemeth meager,
And my Sovereign Lord doth gather, ever, where He hath not strowed,
Yet I would not therefore spurn it,
But "with usury" return it,
At His coming at the end of the road.
Though I now go forth with weeping,
If I bear the precious seed which the Master would have sowed,
I shall come again with singing,
Sheaves of plenty with me bringing
To His harvest at the end of the road.
Peace shall follow tribulation:
This the boon Divine Compassion upon mortal hath bestowed;
Heavy now the cross I'm bearing;
Bright the crown I'll soon be wearing
In the Temple at the end of the road.
Transcriber's Note
Spelling oddities have been retained from the original book.