Classic Poem

How many times, within the glass,
I see a figure pause, and pass;
As like myself as it can be,
And yet it scarcely looks at me.

The painted portraits on the wall,
That do not move or speak at all,
Look on me with as kind a glance,
As this impassive countenance.

But one day, one, before the glass
I paused, and did not dare to pass;
For there, by some foreknowledge lit,
A face looked out. I looked at it.

The sad eyes pierced me through and through,
From the set lips a challenge flew;
As it had passed through searching flame,
A voice, imperious, called my name.

Before some clear, inshining light,
My earthly atoms fled from sight;
As that which evermore would be,
My soul itself confronted me.

I looked at it, ashamed, dismayed;
It wore a crown, I was afraid;
As one who might, it made demands
Of blood and brain, of heart and hands.

It questioned me, it whispered clear,
Great secrets that I ought to hear;
It bade me keep, in solemn trust,
Its royal purple from the dust.

The tryst was ended. I could see
A veil drop down 'twixt it and me;
I had no questions more to ask
Of Life or Death. I knew my task.

How many times, within the glass,
I see a figure pause, and pass;
As like myself as it can be,
And yet it scarcely looks at me.

The painted portraits on the wall,
That do not move or speak at all,
Look on me with as kind a glance,
As this impassive countenance.

But one day, one, before the glass
I paused, and did not dare to pass;
For there, by some foreknowledge lit,
A face looked out. I looked at it.

The sad eyes pierced me through and through,
From the set lips a challenge flew;
As it had passed through searching flame,
A voice, imperious, called my name.

Before some clear, inshining light,
My earthly atoms fled from sight;
As that which evermore would be,
My soul itself confronted me.

I looked at it, ashamed, dismayed;
It wore a crown, I was afraid;
As one who might, it made demands
Of blood and brain, of heart and hands.

It questioned me, it whispered clear,
Great secrets that I ought to hear;
It bade me keep, in solemn trust,
Its royal purple from the dust.

The tryst was ended. I could see
A veil drop down 'twixt it and me;
I had no questions more to ask
Of Life or Death. I knew my task.