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 loth To give their bodies to the family mould. I wish that thou shouldst 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 Than half of my inheritance was mine. I toiled and toiled: God bless'd me in my work, And till these three weeks past the land was free. It looks as if it never could endure Another master. Heaven forgive me, Luke, 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, 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, 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, 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 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 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 Mayst bear in mind the life thy fathers lived, 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 Befal thee, I shall love thee to the last. And bear thy memory with me to the grave."