By the Sea and Other Verses Part 12
THE END OF THE ROAD
Do you wonder at my smiling?
Do you wonder that I faint not 'neath the burden of my load?
O, the gloom and toil and duty Change to light and praise and beauty While I'm looking toward the end of the road.
Though the way is long and dreary, And I languish for a happier, a more serene abode, As the light of earth grows dimmer, Looking up, I see the glimmer Of its glory at the end of the road.
Though the talent seemeth meager, And my Sovereign Lord doth gather, ever, where He hath not strowed, Yet I would not therefore spurn it, But "with usury" return it, At His coming at the end of the road.
Though I now go forth with weeping, If I bear the precious seed which the Master would have sowed, I shall come again with singing, Sheaves of plenty with me bringing To His harvest at the end of the road.
Peace shall follow tribulation: This the boon Divine Compa.s.sion upon mortal hath bestowed; Heavy now the cross I'm bearing; Bright the crown I'll soon be wearing In the Temple at the end of the road.