Classic Poem

They are withdrawn — and they are near;
No eyes — they see; no ears — they hear;
They speak together, without sound —
They Who Look On while Time runs round!

I know not where their place, their stand,
Nor of the distance that is spanned,
When they their influence impart —
They Who Look On and ease my heart.

They ease my heart, for they can take
From Life all fever, all heart-ache;
In any crowd or turmoil rude,
They Who Look On make Quietude.

And sweetly do they send reproof
To turn me from world-pride aloof;
Nor any scorn can strike, nor hate —
They Who Look On so guard my state!

Not safer was the hero caught
In the bright veil Love round him wrought
To bear him from the press of foes —
They Who Look On thus round me close.

I deem they will abide with me;
Perchance, apparent they will be
When I shall breathe my last of breath ...
They Who Look On have looked past Death.