IF I knew that death's portal held for me Eyes universal, which should pierce the scheme Of infinite life, lay bare the mammoth dream Which baffles mortal sense; if I might see The countless worlds unwrapped of mystery, Behold time's self, past, present, and the gleam Of God's great future; if with His supreme Control I might grasp all eternity: Ah! even then I should not yearn to go Into the confines of that wondrous land, Believing that my lot of human woe Were portioned here to help me understand What in due time is meant for me to know, When all great things shall be at my command. |