Shadows (Howe)/The Paths

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THE PATHS
WHERE end the journeys all must makeThey met who once together walked,And in the stillness few may break Thus each to each they talked:
"Alas the weary way I took!Because no turning hid the endI thought it near, and so forsook Thee and thy wisdom, friend.
"I thought it near—but oh, the lengthOf that unbroken, burning road,The thirst, the pain, my failing strength As neath a giant's load!
"Had I but known—yet heed me not!God grant thou wast not so forgot!"
"My path—I saw not clearly whereIt led, nor knew the end of it; ​But cool it strayed by pastures fair And meads where peace had lit.
"Now through a pleasant wood it bent,And now a laughing stream led on,And birds were singing as we went,— For I was not alone.
"Ah, would the ending still were far!Too soon it came—too soon the dayOf joy was done; yet shines a star!— I journeyed by Love's Way!"
And mark ye, men, in field and town,—From all the world two paths lead down.

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