Jephthah and Other Mysteries

LYRICAL AND DRAMATIC. 151 Remember Him, but smite. No workman hews His stone aright whose nervy arms refuse To ply the chisel, but are raised to ask A visionary foreman he may choose From the distortions of a sodden mind. God did first work on earth when womankind He chipped from Adam’s rib—a thankless task I wot His wisdom has long since repined. Christ touched the leper and the widow's son ; And thou wouldst serve the work the Perfect One _ Began, by folding arms and gazing up o heaven, as if thy work were rightly done. I tell thee, He should say, if ye were met: “Thou hadst a talent—ah, thou hast it yet Wrapped ina napkin—thou shalt drain the cup Of that damnation that may not forget “The wasted hours!” Ah, bitter interest Of our youth’s capital—forgotten zest _ In all the pleasures of o’erflowing life, Wine tasteless, tired the brain, and cold the breast ! Ah! but if with it is one good deed wrought, | One kind word spoken, one immortal thought Born in thee, all is paid, the weary strife Grows victory. “ Love is all and Death is nought.”