God gave them me, on that first day
I heard the Stars all chime.
And I looked forth far, from road to star;
And I knew it was far to climb.
They would buy me house and hearth, no doubt,
And the mirth to spend and share;
Could I sell that gift, and go without,
Or wear—what neighbors wear.
But take my staff, my purse, my scrip;
For I have one thing to choose.
For you,—Godspeed! May you soothe your need.
For me, my golden shoes!
He gave them me, that far, first day
When I heard all Songs unsung.
And I looked far forth, from west to north.
God saw that I was young!
NOON AT PÆSTUM
Lord of the Sea, we sun-filled creatures raise
Our hands among the clamorous weeds,—we too.
Lord of the Sun, and of the upper blue,
Of all To-morrow, and all yesterdays,
Here, where the thousand broken names and ways
Of worship are but shards we wandered through,
There is no gift to offer, or undo;
There is no prayer left in us, only praise.
Only to glory in this glory here,
Through the dead smoke of myriad sacrifice;—
To look through these blue spaces, blind and clear
Even as the seaward gaze of Homer's eyes;
And from uplifted heart, and cup, to pour
Wine to the Unknown God.—We ask no more.
VESTAL FLAME
Light, light,—the last:
Till the night be done,
Keep the watch for stars and sun, and eyelids over-cast.
Once there seemed a sky,
Brooding over men.
Now no stars have come again, since their bright good-bye!
Once my dreams were wise.
Now I nothing know;
Fasting and the dark have so put out my heart's eyes.