Classic Poem

A ship comes up from under the world,
" What do you bring, O ship? " he cried.
The answer came: " 'Neath flag unfurled,
Laughter and song, and — a fair dead bride.

" I bring fool's jests, and — a heart's deep woe;
News of a friend, and — a word of despair;
I bring bright hopes from the world below,
And a soul storm-tossed and worn with care.

" I bring a child whose mother is dead;
I bring a man deserting his wife, —
Light and shadow, and poison and bread,
The tragical comedy of life.

" Perhaps I bring a gift for you;
But do not covet it, do not shrink:
You know not whether 'tis false or true,
Or better or worse than you can think. "