ET MORI LUCRUM

The star must cease to burn with its own light
Before it can become the dwelling-place
Of hearts that love, — beings of godlike race,
Through its own death attaining to the height
Of excellence, and sinking into night,
That it may glow with a more perfect grace,
And bear a nobler life through boundless space,
Till time shall bring eternity in sight.
So man, if he would truly live, must die,
Descending through the grave thaThe may rise
To higher worlds and dwell in purer sky;
Making of seeming life the sacrifice
To share the perfect life with God on high,
Where love divine is the infinite prize.