Classic Poem

I.

I F God be dead, and life be void
Of hope that lifted us and buoyed, —
If heaven no more in front may shine, —
Yet have we love's own wreaths to twine!

If all be passed and over soon,
And soulless gleam the stars and moon,
And heartless the triumphant sun, —
Yet have we toil, till toil is done!

If ne'er the dreams that once so bright
Laughed golden-winged in April light
A heavenly fair reward shall find, —
Yet have we rose-breath on the wind!

If now beside the rush-fringed stream
No naiad's sun-kissed locks may gleam, —
If all the old gods with God be gone, —
Yet Love's firm footstep labours on!

II.

But there came answer through the night,
Loud thundering from the mountain-height
And whispering softly o'er the sea:
" I am, and thou art part of me. "

The great seas caught the sound, and mirth
Rang through the sunlit vales of earth:
O'er heathery hill and gold-flowered lea
God's voice came — " These are part of me . "

And lovers' souls no more were dead,
Nor faded the sweet rose's head:
They all were gladdened with strange glee;
God said to each " Thou art part of me . "

The lonely spirit, whose pathway dim
Seems full of foes who encompass him,
Has caught the sound and feels that he
Is saved, since God said, " Trust in me . "

The sinner feels God's tender glow
Of pity about his dead heart flow:
It flowers, as flowers a barren tree,
For God said, " Son, believe in me . "

O live strong God, make me a part
Of thine unmeasured mountain-heart;
Pure like the sky, strong like the sea,
A spirit of boundless love like thee!