The briefest life of any babe, or man

Outwearing even the allotted span,

Is each a life unfinished—incomplete:

For these, then, of th' outworn, or unworn feet

Denied one toddling step—O there must be

Some fair, green, flowery pathway endlessly

Winding through lands Elysian! Lord, receive

And lead each as Thine Own Child—even the Chief

Of us who didst Immortal life achieve....

Lord, I believe: