HAVE dead men long to wait? -- There is a certain term For their bodies to the worm And their souls at heaven gate: Dust to dust, clod to clod, These precious things of God, Trampled underfoot by man And beast the appointed years. -- Their longest life was but a span For change and smiles and tears: Is it worth while to live, Rejoice and grieve, Hope, fear, and die? Man with man, truth with lie, The slow show dwindles by: At last what shall we have Besides a grave? -- Lies and shows no more, No fear, no pain, But after hope and sleep Dear joys again. Those who sowed shall reap: Those who bore The Cross shall wear the Crown; Those who clomb the steep There shall sit down. The Shepherd of the sheep Feeds His flock there; In watered pastures fair They rest and leap. 'Is it worth while to live?' Be of good cheer: Love casts out fear: Rise up, achieve. |