Classic Poem

(After the Sanscrit)

Hear now the salutation of the dawn.

Look well unto this day!
For it is life, — the very life of life.
Into the eddying strife
Of its brief stay,
As into some deep whirlpool's heart, are drawn
All verities that light your earthly way:
Action's bright glory and the bliss of growth
And beauty in her splendour,
Now in stern mood, now tender,
Though radiant in both.

For yesterday is but a dream,
To-morrow, but a vision.
But each to-day, lived in the perfect way,
Holds sadness in derision, —
Makes every yesterday a dream of joy,
Present though gone,
Which time can never cloy, —
Makes each to-morrow
A vision of hope untouched by care or sorrow.
Look well unto this day!

Such is the salutation of the dawn.