WE climb the hill; the mist conceals br That valley where we could not stay; br Surely this hill's crest, gained, reveals br The glory of the sunlit day. br The hill is climbed. Still shadow-land-- br Still darkling looms another hill. br Oh, weary feet!--climb that to find br A new ascent, 'mid shadows still! br We dare not stop or think of rest, br This one hill may be all that lies br Between us and our souls' desire-- br The splendour of the eastern skies. br br br Through long long lives we till and tend, br Sow, weed, and water, all in vain; br Without the flower we looked to find, br Each year springs blooms and dies again.