'TO lead a life divine?' br This is the question which, with upward strife, br Earth to herself proposes, asking ever, br 'How shall I lead this life?' br br And in her infancy br From east and west according answer came, br Poet and priest the doctrine taught and bless'd, br 'Divinity is Fame.' br br In a more polish'd age, br 'Poor toilsome fools, fair women, fairer wine, br Purple, fine linen, pictures, statues, gold, br Beauty is most divine.' br br Long-bearded sages then br With still more scorn their own solution gave,-- br 'Thought is the only good to be desir'd, br Leave matter to the slave.' br br God gave a helping word, br But Earth was blind, and would misread the sign, br Saying, 'It means deny, fast, scourge, and pray,-- br The ascetic is divine.' br br br And now we, year by year, br Do painfully spell out our golden rule, br In woe for its neglect; the wisest men, br The little child at school, br br Learning that wisdom, art, br Denying vow, world's honour, are but slaves to love, br Whose law encircles us with a command, br Ev'n as its pleadings move. br br We are not free to choose, br But ever find our portions strictly meted br When we look purely for them, and a sign br Of blessing if completed: br br Set in a narrow groove, br In our obedience alone made free br With freedom worth the purchase, and enjoin'd br To work it silently: br br Which following br In meek surrender,--'Not my will but Thine'-- br Is, in its aspect, fruit, and consciousness, br Indeed a Life Divine.