He makes the most of life, who soonest learns That ’tis not best to try for heights too high, Nor yet to be content with vales too low; But day by day upon his upward way, Accepts the possible for which he yearns, Rejects those things that far beneath him lie, And asks the strength of slow success, to know, Which gains the Heaven for which we mortals pray.
FAIREST DAYS.
The sun is flooding all the land and sky, The waves are dancing o’er the deep blue sea; The world is gay and yet, they say, not I— Since absence makes a gulf ’tween you and me.
When you were here the clouds were in the sky, The rain-drops fell, the sun was hid from view; The world was dull and yet, they say, not I— For my gay world is centred, love, in you.
When you are near no matter what the sky, No matter what the sea nor what the weather; The world is gay and so, my love, am I— The days are fairest when we are together.
MY PETITION.
O let me say one little word, Ere I depart, To soothe one sorrow, Teach one truth, And help one heart!
O let me sing one little song, Before I go, To wake one wanderer, Lift one load, And wing one woe!