COMPENSATION by PERCY STICKNEY GRANT

When gallant robins sing
Through loosened sweets of Spring,
As you plod off to work,
Wish not to change or shirk
The day's routine, dear soul;
But view the whole.

When moon and stars shine bright
Some night, some summer night,
And weary, you must sleep
And cannot vigil keep,
Sigh not, alas! dear soul;
But view the whole.

When music's choirs complain
In melancholy strain, --
"All beauty must decay,
Let love then seize the day."
Fear not such loss, dear soul;
But view the whole.

When pleasure bands you see
As you go thoughtfully,
Cast down by sin and woe,
Long not their joy to know.
Love thine own tears, dear soul,
And view the whole.

"What is the whole?" you ask,
"The face within the mask?"
That beauty's self you are,
When ruled by duty's star.
Not to enjoy, but be, dear soul,
That is the whole.

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