Page:The songs that Quinte sang.djvu/55

Rh When Love’s sweet magic thrilled my soul,
 * And Life a paradise did seem,

Soul! Were it not best to die
 * Than live to find it all a dream?

And when I tried to reach the goal
 * Upon the heights so far above,

Another passed me in the race
 * And won the prize for which I strove.

And as I watched my fair hopes die,
 * My heart grew cold and hard as stone.

Then balked Ambition vanquished Faith,
 * Whilst cruel Doubt usurped her throne.

O Soul! Thou knowest how I tried
 * To keep my faith in God and man,

But every hope was swept from me.
 * Why was it? Answer, if you can.

Soul! Is there joy enough in Heaven
 * To make amends for human woe?

Can all eternity atone
 * For what we suffer here below!

The preacher bids us kiss the rod,
 * And bow our heads to Heaven’s decree,

Says Sorrow is the lot of man;
 * But tell me, Soul! Why must it be?

Nay, gaze not with accusing eyes,
 * Mine eyes can stare as well as thine,

Those questions I have put to thee,
 * Thou can’st not answer, Soul of mine!