THE MYSTIC

Deeper than thought or sleep, This, this alone, I know: Though the great stars be shattered, And wide all the world be scattered, In me the kingdom is; Within I live Eternity and time. No deed of wrong, Nor path ill taken, Nor fate can blast What is the all. And love, though brief, And falling Like the withered leaf, Dies not beyond recalling; And in my coiling Flight Through life to death,

Then far beyond, Must yet return again, And be renewed. Not as the fading Life in dreams, Which is deep-barred And gray—like ashes Is ever blasted By the cloud awaking; But lived once more All glowing warm, As the unknown to-morrow Here flames from the life of now. Though knowing Nothing, This I know: Whate’er befall, My lifetime but swift lightning is; Beyond is all.