Classic Poem

I

He toiled, forever faithful, in the ways where Duty led,
When earth seemed like a desert, and dark clouds overhead;
And, " Ain't you feelin' weary! " ... But still his word would be:
" On the other side of Jordan there'll be rest for me! "

II

The black storms beat above him: He saw, with saddened heart,
The laborers in the vineyard, one after one, depart;
" Oh, rest you from the toiling! There is no light to see! " ...
" On the other side of Jordan there'll be light for me. "

III

" Rest, from the toil and trouble, tired hands and drooping head;
You do but gather roses for graves that hide your dead! "
But evermore that answer, clear-ringing, far and free:
" On the other side of Jordan there'll be rest for me! "

IV

And so he toiled, and toiling, gave earth a lesson sweet
As the Love of God that showered Love's lilies at his feet;
No earthly light could lure him — no dark his faith could dim: —
On the other side of Jordan there was light for him!