Classic Poem

Herewith, a broken gem of Buddha's lore!
One beamlet of the brightness of his love!
Rose-light which lingers when the sun is down
Such space that men may find a path thereby.
Ananda told his Brethren of the robe
In the full Sangha, saying, " I have heard! "

Ananda said: " Upon a certain morn
At Rajagriha, in Wasanta-time,
Lord Buddha sate — the great Tath├ógato —
Speaking with wayfarers words such as these.
There was a temple built to Surya
Between the dyers' sheds and grain-market,
With white porch sheltered by a peepul-tree;
Whereby he sate; and a priest questioned him —
" Which is Life's chief good, Master?" And he spake:

" " Shadows are good when the high sun is flaming,
From wheresoe'er they fall;
Some take their rest beneath the holy temple,
Some by the prison-wall.

" " The King's gilt palace-roof shuts out the sunshine,
So doth the dyers' shed!
Which is the chiefest shade of all these shadows?"
" They are alike!" one said.

" " So is it," quoth he, " with all shows of living;
As shadows fall, they fall!
Rest under, if ye must, but question not
Which is the best of all.

" " Yet, some trees in the forest wave with fragrance
Of fruit and bloom o'erhead;
And some are evil, bearing fruitless branches,
Whence poisonous air is spread.

" " Therefore, though all be false, seek, if ye must,
Right shelter from life's heat.
Lo! those do well who toil for wife and child
Threading the burning street!

" " Good is it helping kindred! good to dwell
Blameless and just to all;
Good to give alms, with good-will in the heart,
Albeit the store be small!

" " Good to speak sweet and gentle words, to be
Merciful, patient, mild;
To hear the Law, and keep it, leading days
Innocent, undefiled.

" " These be chief goods — for evil by its like
Ends not, nor hate by hate:
By love hate ceaseth; by well-doing ill;
By knowledge life's sad state.

" " But see where soars an eagle! mark those wings
Which cleave the blue, cool skies!
What shadow needeth yon proud Lord of Air
To shield his fearless eyes?

" " Rise from this life; lift upon pinions bold
Hearts free and great as his;
The eagle seeks no shadow, nor the wise
Greater or lesser bliss!" "