To give one's life through eighty years is harder
—Than to give it in one moment gloriously;
To make each instant a brown willow basket
—Heaped with fresh flowers and ferns; to ever be

A cup of never-failing cool spring water
—To those who walk a dusty road alone;
To succor with life-giving bread, regardless,
—Those who expect a stone.

To give one's life, on weary days and hopeless;
—To give one's life, hour after hour, and be
Ready to give again, again, is harder
—Than to give it in a moment, gloriously.

To give one's life through eighty years is harder
—Than to give it in one moment gloriously;
To make each instant a brown willow basket
—Heaped with fresh flowers and ferns; to ever be

A cup of never-failing cool spring water
—To those who walk a dusty road alone;
To succor with life-giving bread, regardless,
—Those who expect a stone.

To give one's life, on weary days and hopeless;
—To give one's life, hour after hour, and be
Ready to give again, again, is harder
—Than to give it in a moment, gloriously.