Classic Poem

Labor and love! there are no other laws
— To rule the liberal action of that soul
— Which fate hath set beneath thy brief control,
Or lull the empty fear that racks and gnaws;
Labor! then like a rising moon, the cause
— Of life shall light thine hour from pole to pole,
— Thou shalt taste health of purpose, and the roll
Of simple joys unwind without a pause.
Love! and thy heart shall cease to question why
— Its beating pulse was set to rock and rave;
— Find but another heart this side the grave
To soothe and cling to, — thou hast life's reply.
Labor and love! then fade without a sigh,
— Submerged beneath the inexorable wave.