A Lesson

1. I know now why the world was sad, With so much good to make it glad; Why all things loveliest and best Have stirred vague sorrows in my breast, And sweetest days that life has had Have vexed me with such vast unrest. 2. I know why I have pined and toiled, And found all aspirations foiled; I know why I have gained and spent, And never learned what riches meant; I know what lack and loss have spoiled The treasure of my soul's content. 3. Like day- dawn on the darkened earth, Like sun and rain in drought and dearth, Like spring, that wakens flowers so fast When barren winter- time is past, Love, long- deferred, has come to birth — And I am satisfied at last. 4. My heart is singing; tears are shed; I, that was starved, am warmed, and fed — For love is fire and food and wine, All comfort earthly and divine. Now I am living that was dead, And all that life can give is mine.