Gentle Pilgrim, tell me why Dost thou fold thine arms and sigh; And wistful cast thine eyes around: Whither, Pilgrim, art thou bound? The road to Zion's gates I seek, If thou canst inform me, speak. Keep you right-hand path with care, Though crags obstruct and brambles tear; You just discern a narrow track, Enter there, and turn not back. Say where that pleasant path-way leads, Winding down yon flowery meads; Song and dance the way beguiles, Every face is drest in smiles. Shun with care that flowery way, 'T will lead thee, Pilgrim, far astray. Guide or counsel do I need? Pilgrim, he who runs may read. Is the way that I must keep Cross'd by waters wide and deep? Did it lead thro' floods and fire, Thou must not stop -- thou must not tire. Till I have my journey past, Tell me, will the day-light last? Will the sky be bright and clear Till the evening shades appear? Tho' the sun now rides so high, Clouds may veil the evening sky: Fast sinks the sun, fast wears the day, Thou must not stop -- thou must not stay, God speed thee, Pilgrim, on thy way. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THANATOPSIS by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT UNDERWOODS: BOOK 2: 6. THE SPAEWIFE by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 51. ASH-SHAHID by EDWIN ARNOLD TWELVE SONNETS: 9. WEARINESS by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL: PREFACE by WILLIAM BLAKE THE IDEAL by ANNE CHARLOTTE LYNCH BOTTA |