Beyond the common life of man, I still 365 Remember them who loved me in my youth. Both of them sleep together; here they lived, As all their Forefathers had done; and, when At length their time was come, they were not loath To give their bodies to the family mould. 370 I wished that thou should'st live the life they lived; But 'tis a long time to look back, my Son, And see so little gain from threescore years. These fields were burthened when they came to me; Till I was forty years of age, not more 375 Than half of my inheritance was mine. I toiled and toiled; God blessed me in my work, And till the three weeks past the land was free. --It looks as if it never could endure Another Master. Heaven forgive me, Luke, 380 If I judge ill for thee, but it seems good That thou shouldst go." At this the old Man paused; Then, pointing to the stones near which they stood, Thus, after a short silence, he resumed: "This was a work for us; and now, my Son, 385 It is a work for me. But, lay one stone,-- Here, lay it for me, Luke, with thine own hands. Nay, Boy, be of good hope; we both may live To see a better day. At eighty-four I still am strong and hale;--do thou thy part; 390 I will do mine.--I will begin again With many tasks that were resigned to thee; Up to the heights, and in among the storms, Will I without thee go again, and do All works which I was wont to do alone, 395 Before I knew thy face. Heaven bless thee, Boy! Thy heart these two weeks has been beating fast With many hopes; it should be so--yes, yes,-- I knew that thou couldst never have a wish To leave me, Luke; thou hast been bound to me 400 Only by links of love: when thou art gone What will be left to us!--But I forget My purposes. Lay now the corner-stone, As I requested; and hereafter, Luke, When thou art gone away, should evil men 405 Be thy companions, think of me, my Son, And of this moment; hither turn thy thoughts, And God will strengthen thee: amid all fear And all temptation, Luke, I pray that thou May'st bear in mind the life thy Fathers lived, 410 Who, being innocent, did for that cause Bestir them in good deeds. Now, fare thee well-- When thou return'st, thou in this place wilt see A work which is not here: a covenant 'Twill be between us; but, whatever fate 415 Befall thee, I shall love thee to the last, And bear thy memory with me to the grave."