The Ideal

Something I may not win attracts me ever,—Something elusive, yet supremely fair,Thrills me with gladness, but contents me never,Fills me with sadness, yet forbids despair.

It blossoms just beyond the paths I follow,It shines beyond the farthest stars I see,It echoes faint from ocean caverns hollow,And from the land of dreams it beckons me.

It calls, and all my best, with joyful feeling,Essays to reach it as I make reply;I feel its sweetness o'er my spirit stealing,Yet know ere I attain it I must die!