LEARN, learn, learn, -- Our beautiful world is not a field for sheep; Not just a place wherein to laugh and weep, To eat and drink, to dance and sigh and sleep. And then to moulder into senseless dust. Learn, learn, learn, -- Look up and learn -- you cannot look too high! Not for the earthly wealth which brains can buy, Not for the sake of gold and luxury -- Treasures corrupted by the moth and rust. Learn, learn, learn, -- As one in whom the Lord has breathed His breath, And aye redeemed from the power of death -- Not as the dumb brute-beast that perisheth, Not as a soulless, thoughtless, thankless clod. Learn, learn, learn, -- With love and awe and patience -- not in haste; Drink deeply, -- do not pass by with a taste; O make your land a garden, not a waste! -- Your mind bright, to reflect the face of God. Learn, learn, learn, -- The mystic beauty and the truth of life; Search out the treasures whereof earth is rife. Search on all sides, with pain and prayer and strife; Search even into darkness. Do not fear. Learn, learn, learn, -- With a true, steadfast heart, lay up your hoard; God will sort out the treasures you have stored, And set them in His bright light, afterward. He will make all your difficulties clear. Learn, learn, learn, -- Death is no breaking at a certain place; We only pause there for a little space. And then -- you would not shame Him to His face? -- You, in His Image and own Likeness made! Learn, learn, learn, -- Walk with wide-open eyes and reverent heart. Worship as God the beautiful in art. Though you see now but dimly, and in part, All shall be clear in time. Be not afraid. |