Sir Noël Paton (1821–1901)

COULD I have sung one Song that should survive

The singer’s voice, and in my country’s heart

Find loving echo—evermore a part

Of all her sweetest memories; could I give

One great Thought to the People, that should prove

The spring of noble action in their hour

Of darkness, or control their headlong power

With the firm reins of Justice and of Love;

Could I have traced one Form that should express

The sacred mystery that underlies

All Beauty, and through man’s enraptured eyes

Teach him how beautiful is Holiness,—

I had not feared thee. But to yield my breath,

Life’s Purpose unfulfilled!—This is thy sting, O Death!