Page:A Treasury of South African Poetry.djvu/287

  in shade of slenderest blade; A foam-flake on verge of mountainous surge;

Delusive lake where deserts bake, Or passing shade by an eagle made;

One golden ray on a wintry day; A cloud's brief bliss 'neath the sunset-kiss.

Life's toil and strain but this to gain! When lasting treasure no thought can measure

He may surely find, who with steadfast mind Keeps trimmed and bright the Inward Light.

That Light may lead where feet shall bleed, And voices drear assail the ear,

When horrid sights shall throng the nights, And days be rife with fears and strife.

The treasure by thee will be found, maybe, Amid the rattle and smoke of battle.