Life
Reading edition
Life
From birth to death the life of man
Is infinite on the earth,
To know and do that which he can
And be what he is worth.
Our mortal life, however wrought,
Eternity is indeed;
For every moment brings a thought,
And every thought’s a deed;
And that is so much infinite
Which may be divided much;
And if we live with might and mirth
Our human life is such.
For him who has not might and mirth
That which is not now is never;
And he who can live well on earth
Does live in heaven for ever.
1898.