Thorny the ways that lead to Duty’s shrine,
Thro’ grim ravines, o’er iron crags they pass,
And sandy waste with never a blade of grass,
And densest forests where no sun can shine.
But he who lays unmurmuring at her feet
All earthly joys that make life sweet to live,
And says: “I give thee all I have to give,”
Shall find the memory of good deeds more sweet
Than years of useless pleasure; and for him
Shall those stern eyes with sudden love grow dim,
And she shall stoop, all mercy, from her throne,
And clasp him in her arms, and say: “Well done!”
(Cicely Fox Smith)
More Poetry from Cicely Fox Smith:
Cicely Fox Smith Poems based on Topics: Memory, Pleasure, Forgiveness- The Quest Of The Queen (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- Missing (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- The Rhyme Of The Four Strong Men (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- The King's Grief (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- The Three Ships (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- News In Daly's Bar (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Pleasure Poems, Memory Poems, Forgiveness PoemsBased on Keywords: ravines, densest, unmurmuring