December 28

SHE spoke with passion after pause—"And were it wisely done,

If we who cannot gaze above, should walk the earth alone?

If we whose virtue is so weak, should have a will so strong,

And stand blind on the rocks, to choose the right path from the wrong?

To choose perhaps a love-lit hearth, instead of love and Heaven,—

A single rose, for a rose-tree, which beareth seven times seven?

A rose that droppeth from the hand, that fadeth in the breast,—

Until, in grieving for the worst, we learn what is the best!"

Then breaking into tears,—"Dear God," she cried, "and must we see

All blissful things depart from us, or ere we go to THEE?

We cannot guess thee in the wood, or hear thee in the wind?

Our cedars must fall round us, ere we see the light behind?

Ay sooth, we feel too strong in weal, to need thee on that road,

But woe being come, the soul is dumb that crieth not on God."

ELIZABETH

BARRETT

BROWNING

REQUIESCAT