Bidden

One man at Life's feast sat an honored guest, —
Fame on his left hand. Love upon his right,
And Fame and Love were goodly in his sight;
But while those feasting there waxed merriest.
Sudden his smile flagged far behind the jest.
Then in his eyes altered and failed the light;
For one stood there, vast, garmented in night.
Against whose presence men in vain protest.

Another had gall for wine, and stones for bread;
By Fortune buffeted and overthrown.
Knew neither Fame nor Love, but dwelt alone.
To him, " Come hence with me, O Son," Death said:
Now which seems worse, since all must bow the head
To know and leave, or never to have known?