A Fair Thought

'Mid very many bitter thoughts, I found
One which seemed fair and gracious, and I said,
"This thought shall prosper in the inner shade
Of being, where the wells of life abound."
And so I plucked it from the common ground.
And set it where it should not be dismayed
By winds and scorching heats, and near it laid
All sacred things which did my life surround.

"And when it is," I said, " full grown and strong,
My chosen ones shall view it in its pride.
And I will fold its fragrance in a song."
I left it in a quiet eventide.
Scarce breathing, lest my breath should do it wrong;
And yet because it was so frail, it died.