I Heard a Voice

I HEARD a voice say: "You,Who worship, should pursue:The good you dream of—do.

"Arise!—perfection seek.Surmounting what is weak,Toil on from peak to peak!"

"Henceforth, through sun and shade,"I answered, "unafraid,I follow the shy maid:

"Yea, beauty to create,Accept with heart elateWhate'er may be my fate."

Then, in youth's ardor, strong,I toiled my way along,Upon my lips a song;

But as I climbed on high,Toward the forbidding skyPerfection seemed to fly;

And though I strove the more,Still through some viewless doorShe ever passed before.

Heart-wearied and forespent,With body earthward bent,I ceased from the ascent;

Then, when hope seemed too late,Despairing,—at Death's gateI heard a voice say: "Wait!"