Inasmuch as thou hast ventured in the turmoil and the doubt,
And with clearer thought of Truth hast turned the hosts of terror out;
Though gratitude or guerdon rare were never offered thee,
Thou hast done it unto me, beloved, hast done it unto me.
Inasmuch as thou hast labored oft, aye! seemingly in vain,
To lift away the burden from a brother bent in pain;
Though blessing were not whispered, nor a smile rewarded thee,
Thou hast done it unto me, brave heart, hast done it unto me.
Inasmuch as thou hast purified and blessed and cheered and loved
Along the rugged path alway, and error's thrall disproved;
Though thou hast sighed betimes, perchance, that none had noted thee,
Thou hast done it all for me, beloved, hast done it all for me.
But thou who selfishly hast lived,—withheld the cooling cup;
Or passed a stumbling brother whom thou couldst have lifted up;
Or when the storm swept by didst seek no shelter save for thee,—
Thou hast failed in love for me, alas, hast failed in all for me.
