IF some great angel spoke to me to-night, In awful language of the unknown land, Bidding me choose from treasure infinite, From goodly gifts and glories in his hand, The thing I coveted, what should I take? Fame's wreath of bays? The fickle world's esteem? Nay, greenest bays may wave on brows that ache, And world's applauding passeth as a dream. Should I choose love to fill my empty heart With soft, strong sweetness, as in days of old? Nay, for love's rapture hath an after smart, And on love's rose the thorns are manifold. Should I choose life with long succeeding years? Nay, earth's long life is longer time for tears. I would choose work, and never-failing power, To work without weak hindrance by the way, Without recurrence of the weary hour When tired tyrant Nature holds its sway Over the busy brain and toiling hand. Ah! if an angel came to me to-night, Speaking in language of the unknown land, So would I choose from treasures infinite. But well I know the blessed gift I crave, The tireless strength for never-ending task, Is not for this life. But beyond the grave It may be I shall find the thing I ask; For I believe there is a better land, Where will and work and strength go hand in hand. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BALLAD OF THE DARK LADIE; A FRAGMENT by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE DIVISION OF POLAND by EDWIN ARNOLD NIGHT IN CAMP by HERBERT BASHFORD THE SLUGGARD by JOSEPH BEAUMONT THE IVORY GATE; AN UNFINISHED DRAFT by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |