Classic Poem

I

Love the Conqueror came to me, —
He whom I did long deride, —
Gave humility for pride,
April voicing
My rejoicing
I — who fancied I was free —
Glad to be with garlands tied!

II

Love the Awakener came to me;
Called my sleeping soul to strife,
Offered gift of fuller life
(Wish, the measure
Of my pleasure);
And the bud that knew no bee
Burst, a rose with beauty rife.

III

Love the Tester came to me;
For the paean gave the dirge,
For caresses gave the scourge
(Ay, though Fortune
Did importune),
Till my breathing seemed to be
Sorrow's tide at ebb and surge.

IV

Love the Ennobler came to me,
With the cross as his device,
Saying, " Shrink not from the price
(Pain the burden,
Peace the guerdon);
Sorrow bravely borne shall be
Doubly sweet as sacrifice. "

V

Love the Revealer comes to me
On this battled height, and shows
Yonder river of repose:
" Not by creeping,
But by leaping,
Learns the rill the harmony
That within the river flows. "