Part 3 — ASPIRATION. LINES WRITTEN IN THE JOURNAL OF HER BROTHER R. F. F.

Foreseen, forespoken not foredone,— Ere the race be well begun, The prescient soul is at the goal, One little moment binds the whole; Happy they themselves who call To risk much, and to conquer all; Happy are they who many losses, Sore defeat or frequent crosses, Though these may the heart dismay, Cannot the sure faith betray; Who in beauty bless the Giver; Seek ocean on the loveliest river; Or on desert island tossed, Seeing Heaven, think nought lost. May thy genius bring to thee Of this life experience free, And the earth vine's mysterious cup, Sweet and bitter yield thee up. But should the now sparkling bowl Chance to slip from thy control, And much of the enchanted wine Be spilt in sand, as 'twas with mine, Let blessings lost being consecration, Change the pledge to a libation. For the Power to whom we bow Has given his pledge, that, if not now, They of pure and steadfast mind, By faith exalted, truth refined, Shall hear all music, loud and clear, Whose first notes they ventured here. Then fear not thou to wind the horn Though elf and gnome thy courage scorn; Ask for the castle's king and queen, Though rabble rout may come between, Beat thee, senseless, to the ground, In the dark beset thee round; Persist to ask, and they will come. Seek not for rest a humbler home, And thou wilt see what few have seen, The palace home of king and queen.