Some gazed into the heavens afar;
Some delved in darkness underground;
But Life Immortal was not found
In any stone or star. Some asked the spirits of the dead;
Some thrid the mazes of the past;
Some called aloud--and heard at last
But what themselves had said. Some sought in quivering nerves laid bare;
Some cleaved the atoms, one by one;
Some cried, their vain inquiry done,
"It is not anywhere!" But some in happy peace remained.
"Why join ye not, " I said, "the quest?"
And they made answer, "It is best
To seek not, having gained." "Then ye have found it?" "Nay, " they cried,
"It hath found us. The life above
We live by faith and hope and love,
Since these three shall abide! "Faith opens wide the gates of gloom;
Hope presses to a glad surprise;
But love looks round, with happy eyes,
And finds herself at home!"