The Shadow

By thronging mart and lonely hill, By bridle-path and broad highway, I, follower of the shadow, still Follow a shadow night and day. The planets light me on my way, The bounteous suns arise once more, And stars by night and sun by day Still show the fleeting form before. What heed - tho' men by crowded ways Jeer at the aim they cannot know, Tho' wayside loafers stand to gaze And, turning, mock me as I go? Have I not heard o'er pool and pine The brave voice call across the wild? Have I not held that hand in mine And gazed into those eyes that smiled? Tho' mine no life of fireside ease, Tho' blind men jeer and fools revile, Need I e'er ways more smooth than these Or guerdon greater than that smile?