O'er the long reach of water comes
The plash of dipping oar,
And faintly, borne upon the wind,
Far voices gain the shore.
I hear their low, faint murmur as
The boat glides on its way,
And with the glance of flashing oar
Fall silver drops of spray!
I lie with half-closed eyes and dream
Of days that long are fled;
While fancy brings unto my side
The forms of those now dead.
When life and love were as a song
From vibrant chords of youth!
When every heart that greeted me
Spoke but of trust and truth!
Thus half-adream I hold commune
With mine own heart, and ask
Were youth and joy the greater gain,
Or life's more finished task?
Quick comes the answer to my lips —
Quick to the question craved —
“The noblest deeds of life are those
In later years engraved
“On tablets of the living mind,
In characters full bold;
Not happiness, nor yet content,
Can here life's measure hold!
“Not to glide on in summer dreams,
Nor yet to love, is best;
But in thy noble strength to grow
And earn the longed-for rest!”
So not with envious eyes I watch
The boat whose living freight
Is youth and all youth's sunny dreams —
I, who have learned to wait!