_Adam._ Call it straightway back! Death's consummation crowns completed life, Or comes too early. Hope being set on thee For others, if for others then for thee,-- For thee and me. [_The wind revolves from the East, and round again to the East, perfumed by the Eden rose, and full of Voices which sweep out into articulation as they pass._ Let thy soul shake its leaves To feel the mystic wind--hark! _Eve._ I hear life. _Infant Voices passing in the wind._ O we live, O we live-- And this life that we receive Is a warm thing and a new, Which we softly bud into From the heart and from the brain,-- Something strange that overmuch is Of the sound and of the sight, Flowing round in trickling touches, With a sorrow and delight,-- Yet is it all in vain? Rock us softly, Lest it be all in vain. _Youthful Voices passing._ O we live, O we live-- And this life that we achieve Is a loud thing and a bold Which with pulses manifold Strikes the heart out full and fain-- Active doer, noble liver, Strong to struggle, sure to conquer, Though the vessel's prow will quiver At the lifting of the anchor: Yet do we strive in vain? _Infant Voices passing._ Rock us softly, Lest it be all in vain. _Poet Voices passing._ O we live, O we live-- And this life that we conceive Is a clear thing and a fair, Which we set in crystal air That its beauty may be plain! With a breathing and a flooding Of the heaven-life on the whole, While we hear the forests budding To the music of the soul-- Yet is it tuned in vain? _Infant Voices passing._ Rock us softly, Lest it be all in vain. _Philosophic Voices passing._ O we live, O we live-- And this life that we perceive Is a great thing and a grave Which for others' use we have, Duty-laden to remain. We are helpers, fellow-creatures, Of the right against the wrong; We are earnest-hearted teachers Of the truth which maketh strong-- Yet do we teach in vain? _Infant Voices passing._ Rock us softly, Lest it be all in vain.