Page:Songs, Legends, and Ballads.djvu/15

Rh  'Tis the old, old story: one man will read
 * His lesson of toil in the sky;

While another is blind to the present need,
 * But sees with the spirit's eye.

You may grind their souls in the self-same mill,
 * You may bind them, heart and brow;

But the poet will follow the rainbow still,
 * And his brother will follow the plough.

HE faithful helm commands the keel.
 * From port to port fair breezes blow;

But the ship must sail the convex sea,
 * Nor may she straighter go.

So, man to man; in fair accord,
 * On thought and will, the winds may wait;

But the world will bend the passing word,
 * Though its shortest course be straight.