III
They give us, love, good-fortune, joy,
Yet as they give their gifts destroy;
Enchant with visions of delight,
Then plunge us deep in starless night;
Our hopes for ever dash with fears,
Our joys for ever drown in tears;
Never unmingled bliss bestow,
Or give it but to overthrow;
Man's soul a pipe whereon they play
What tones they will, or grave or gay.
IV
Tireless upon their way they sweep,
Bearing their burdens to the deep
Eternal sea from whose dim shore
Return is barred for evermore;
All that we prize and all we fear
They bear onto its waters drear.
Which, though they seem so dark and cold,
Nepenthe for all sorrows hold;
A gift of all good gifts the best—
Eternal and undreaming rest.
V
Unhindered on tiieir way they keep.
Nor ever pause nor ever sleep.
Nor torn aside nor look behind.
But tread the path to them assigned
2