Shadows (Howe)/The Paths
HERE end the journeys all must make
They met who once together walked,
And in the stillness few may break
Thus each to each they talked:
THE PATHS
HERE end the journeys all must makeThey met who once together walked,
And in the stillness few may break
Thus each to each they talked:
"Alas the weary way I took!
Because no turning hid the end
I thought it near, and so forsook
Thee and thy wisdom, friend.
Because no turning hid the end
I thought it near, and so forsook
Thee and thy wisdom, friend.
"I thought it near—but oh, the length
Of that unbroken, burning road,
The thirst, the pain, my failing strength
As neath a giant's load!
Of that unbroken, burning road,
The thirst, the pain, my failing strength
As neath a giant's load!
"Had I but known—yet heed me not!
God grant thou wast not so forgot!"
God grant thou wast not so forgot!"
"My path—I saw not clearly where
It led, nor knew the end of it;
But cool it strayed by pastures fair
And meads where peace had lit.
It led, nor knew the end of it;
But cool it strayed by pastures fair
And meads where peace had lit.
"Now through a pleasant wood it bent,
And now a laughing stream led on,
And birds were singing as we went,—
For I was not alone.
And now a laughing stream led on,
And birds were singing as we went,—
For I was not alone.
"Ah, would the ending still were far!
Too soon it came—too soon the day
Of joy was done; yet shines a star!—
I journeyed by Love's Way!"
Too soon it came—too soon the day
Of joy was done; yet shines a star!—
I journeyed by Love's Way!"
And mark ye, men, in field and town,—
From all the world two paths lead down.
From all the world two paths lead down.