Classic Poem

They loved in youth and parted, and for years
He worshipped at her shrine through hopes and fears.

The fruits of exile 'neath an alien sky
Were garnered for an offering by-and-by;

And all the strong endeavours of the man
Were shaped and moulded to a single plan.

They met years after in the public ways,
And talked as others might of bygone days;

And he, ere that day's sun died down in flame,
Set sail once more for lands from whence he came.

There, till the end, he lived a life apart,
Still worshipping the image in his heart.