And know no unseen power, no hand of might, Can set aside the law which wheels the stars; No incompleteness its perfection mars; The buds will wake in season, and the rain will fall when clouds hang heavy, and again The snows will tremble when the winter's breath Congeals the cloud-tears, as the touch of Death Congeals the last drop on the sufferer's cheek. Thus do all Nature's tongues in chorus speak: "Think not, O man, that thou canst e'er escape One jot of Justice's law, nor turn thy fate By yielding sacrifice to the Unseen! Purged by thyself alone canst thou be clean. One guide to happiness thou mayst learn: _Love toward the world begets love in return._ And if to others you the measure mete Of love, be sure your harvest will be sweet; But if ye sow broadcast the seed of hate, Ye'll reap again, albeit ye reap it late. Then let your life-work swell the great flood-tide Of love towards all the world; the world is wide, The sea of life is broad; its waves stretch far; No range, no barrier, its sweep may bar; The world is filled, is trodden down with pain; The sea of life is gathered up of rain,-- A throat, a bed, a sink, for human tears, A burial of hopes, a miasm of fears! But see! the sun of love shines softly out, Flinging its golden fingers all about, Pressing its lips in loving, soft caress, Upon the world's pale cheek; the pain grows less, The tears are dried upon the quivering lashes, An answering sunbeam 'neath the white lids flashes! The sea of life is dimpled o'er with smiles, The sun of love the cloud of woe beguiles, And turns its heavy brow to forehead fair, Framed in the glory of its sun-gilt hair. Be thine the warming touch, the kiss of love; Vainly ye seek for comfort from above, Vainly ye pray the Gods to ease your pain; The heavy words fall back on you again! Vainly ye cry for Christ to smooth your way; The thorns sting sharper while ye kneeling pray! Vainly ye look upon the world of woe, And cry, "O God, avert the bitter blow!" Ye cannot turn the lightning from its track, Nor call one single little instant back; The law swerves not, and with unerring aim The shaft of justice falls; he bears the blame Who violates the rule: do well your task, For justice overtakes you all at last. Vainly ye patient ones await reward, Trusting th' Almighty's angel to record Each bitter tear, each disappointed sigh; Reward descends not, gifted from on high, But is the outgrowth of the eternal law: As from the earth the toiling seed-germs draw The food which gives them life and strength to bear The storms and suns which sweep the upper air, So ye must draw from out the pregnant earth The metal true wherewith to build your worth; So shall ye brave the howling of the blast,