" " I NOTE the bright hours as they fly
And let the dark uncounted die."
Wise words! " said one, as we rode by
Where, on an ancient dial, scrolled
In arabesque and carved in gold,
Shone out that motto, quaint and old.

" Wise words and brave! " and cheerily
Her laugh rang out: and yet to me
They hold scant wisdom. Can it be
That both had knowledge to divine,
And that her eyes had read the sign,
With insight clear and true as mine?

Each for herself: no doubt I lack
Where she abounds. But looking back
Along life's ever varying track,
For me its dim and clouded ways
Outvalue all the garish blaze
That lighted up its shining days;

Because they opened to my sight
(As stars are only seen by night)
Great vistas of celestial light;
Visions that darkness made my own,
Glimpses of things I had not known
But for the shadows round me thrown.