As one who sails upon a wide, blue sea br Far out of sight of land, his mind intent br Upon the sailing of his little boat, br On tightening ropes and shaping fair his course, br Hears suddenly, across the restless sea, br The rhythmic striking of some towered clock, br And wakes from thoughtless idleness to time: br Time, the slow pulse which beats eternity! br So through the vacancy of busy life br At intervals you cross my path and bring br The deep solemnity of passing years. br For you I have shed bitter tears, for you br I have relinquished that for which my heart br Cried out in selfish longing. And to-night br Having just left you, I can say: "'T is well.