George Willis Cooke, comp. The Poets of Transcendentalism: An Anthology. 1903.
SomewhereAugusta Cooper Bristol (18351910)
S
Which idle hands and feet have rudely shattered;
And tenderest love shall gather as its own
The pearls thus scattered.
Of patient sacrifice and self-submission,
Shall form the rainbow promise of a just
And full fruition.
The steep and terrible ascent of Duty—
Shall change to velvet terraces, o’erspread
With emerald beauty.
Shall well disprove a cold, uncertain rootage,
And vindicate the hope we now disown
By fairest fruitage.
The faltering outcome of a pure intention,
Eternity shall hold as brave assay
And true ascension.
Of earth and time may dwarf our high endeavor,
Yet Life is victory, through the evolving change
Of thy Forever.