And we have learned that 'tis not all to be
Self-seeking pleasure-hunters; higher far
Are works of kindliness and charity
Which we can do, whate'er our frailties are.
And we have learned that pain and sorrow, though
Unwelcome guests, have each a work to do.
XVI.
And so we grieve or sorrow not to see
Our visions melt away like Winter's snow;
But rather thank we all our God that He
Sent forth the edict that it should be so;
And humbly bless, with gratitude sincere,
The hand that led us to a higher sphere.
XVII.
Farewell! thou vast and fertile prairie-land.
Farewell! Not long so dreary wilt thou be;
Already man, with ever-busy hand,
Is cultivating and enriching thee;
And with the wealth of this, thy virgin soil,
Thou well rewardest him for all his toil.
In cloudy height surrounding me, uprear
The Rocky Mountains their uncounted heads.
And mountains, mountains only now appear,
So thickly clustered that the sun but sheds
Upon their highest peaks his morning light,
While all below is hidden from his sight.
XIX.
Here rise their sky-aspiring pinnacles
In barren ruggedness and majesty;
While here some verdure-covered height instils
An awe less dread by its fertility;
And here again, a peak of snowy whiteness
Relieves the gloom and shadow by its brightness.
XX.