Classic Poem

I.

TIME .

Time in threefold measure strides:
Mark the Future's halting guise,
Arrow-like the Present flies,
Still for aye the Past abides.

No impatience pricks his speed
Would he tarry on his way.
No alarms his march impede,
Nor do doubts his footsteps stay.
When he pauses, no remorse
Moves him to resume his course.

Wouldst thou lead a happy life?
Wisely end thy term of strife,
Call the “laggard” to thy side—
Not as tool, but as thy guide.
“Arrow-swift” avoid as friend,
'Ware th' “Abiding” to offend.

II.

SPACE .

Threefold is the grip of space:
Down the long unchequered face
Stretches Length; from side to side
Two extremes do Breadth divide;
Depth can dark abysses trace.
Th' allegory thou canst guess:—
Ever onward must thou press,
Wearied thou must never be
Wouldst thou consummation see;
Wouldst thou know the world we tread
Wide abroad thy thoughts must spread;
He who to the deep descends
Knows alone what life portends.
Perseverance in the fight,
Joined with knowledge, brings to light
Truth obscured and out of sight.