The Gods Remember

THE Gods remember always. We forget,But they forget not: every debtHowe'er we palter and evade,Maturing, must be paid.

They pity us, the Gods, but naught forgive,Lest we, who slowly learn to live—Children scarce wiser in our age than youth—Should come to doubt their truth!

Loving the brave who strive and will not yieldThough hurt and fallen on the field,They teach us not from death to fly,Lest we, indeed, should die!

For 'tis their will the soul shall riseAbove its earthly agonies:Triumphant rise, as from the pyreA Phœnix, winged by fire!