Lazarus! thou like a dream in the night
Ere one awaketh to find that the day
Leaps on the hills in the joy of his might,
Sings till the shadows are driven away!
Lazarus! thou like a god in his star
Speeding through space, and whose chariot wheels
Thunder on pavements of crystal, and jar
Hell's deep foundations! My spirit appeals,
Clamours and cries in protest of its pain,
Rages and rails at the wreck and the wrong
Done by Jehovah! Revenge is in vain;
Hate hurls at Hate with a hate that is strong!
Lazarus, why art thou come unto me?
Stand like a star on a mountain of morn,
Spirit redeemed by Jehovah's decree,
And drink to the dregs of my chalice of scorn.
Bitter the chalice of Dives' disgrace!
Shudderest thou at the purple stained brim!
Drink! or I dash the cup full in thy face—
Drink! and then back to hosannah and hymn!
Fade from my sight! and thy glory withdraw
Over the gulf to dim islands of palm,
Where the Redeemed by the blood of the law
Sing to the Lord on their harps, with a psalm!
Taunt me not, Lazarus, thou, and thy smile!
Pity or scorn I regard not! Away!
Is Paradise lonely that thou must beguile
Hell with thy holiness! What does thou say?
Nay, thou are silent; why wilt thou not speak?
This is the torment: that never a word,
Touch of a hand, or of lips on my cheek
Cloud of Gehenna's death-stillness hath stirred.
Think of it, Lazarus! Thou wast alone;
Down by the gate of my palace didst call:
"Give of thy bread!" and I gave thee a stone!
Lazarus! Lazarus! I would give all—
I would give all, for I know thou didst crave
Love, only love, who had no one to love;
Even as I who have learned in the grave
What I had missed in the earth-life above.