Too much to make another mile,

Extend a sturdy stride;

Too much to make an honest smile!

In loneliness I cried,

As trembling, tired, beneath Time’s tree

I paused to pass an hour

To hearten up my weary knees

And feel for Faith’s lost flower.

Then from before me, veiled with gray,

A fading, failing whispered voice

In barest clothing breathed to say

“You took this trail by choice.

“Behind you Death delivers peace

To those too weak to walk;

His final gift to those who cease

Bestows on those who balk.

“Up, up! And on! Look to the Sun

Who journeys just as you

And judges not life’s long day done

‘Till all his tasks are through.”