I know not, Love, whither Thou guidest me.
The sunset's fire is palled in gathering clouds;
Keen gusts race madly o'er the desolate sea,
Lift the broad sail and strain the moaning shrouds;
Behind, a frowning shadow, swift receding,
The lifeless shore beholds us onward speeding.
On placid streams, in glades where noon was dark,
I drifted down the valley, lulled in sleep,
Till late, at twilight's hour, I launched my bark
With new resolve on the tempestuous deep;
Yet not unpiloted, for clear, afar,
Gleams through the stormy shade Thy guiding star!
How straight its path across the darkening firth!
So true the course this struggling helm must steer;
How steadfast, how removed from storms of earth,
Serene as patient love that knows not fear!
How far from heaven has stooped its light benign,
So deep a gulf divides earth's ways and Thine!
