Duty

IF "Yea" and "Nay" were words enough for Him,
Who taught beyond the lessons of all teaching,
With works nor Time nor Envy can bedim,
How vain the burden of our foolish preaching ?
We but betray the spirit's citadel,
And waste on idle air the strength conferred,
When life's high message we essay to tell
In aught so faithless as an uttered word.
Deeds are the right and only alphabet
Wherewith to teach what all the world should know;
But still the tongue will evermore forget,
And strive with sounds the perfect truth to show.
Yet ever onward we must bravely press
Till love through life reveals its loveliness.