The Glow-Worm

Deep within the night,
Toiling on its way,
With its feeble lamp
Giving out a ray.
Close about its path
Sombre shadows meet,
And the light is cast
Only at its feet.
Castle- top and grange
Off within the dark;
What are they to it,
Groping by its spark!
Castle-top and grange,
Orchard, lane, and wood,
Human homes asleep,
Precipice and flood,
What are they to it,
Groping by its ray;
God hath given light,
Light for all its way;
Light to know each step
Of the toilsome ground;
Wherefore should it pry,
Questioning, around! ....
In the night of time,
Toiling through the dark,
Reason's feeble lamp
Giveth out its spark.
Close about my path
Hidden wonders lie,
Mysteries unseen,
Shapes of destiny,
Beings of the air,
Shadowless and weird,
Looking upon me,
Uttering unheard, —
Sad and warning eyes
Pleading from the past,
From the years to come
Mournful glances cast, —
What are they to me,
Toiling towards the day;
God hath given light,
Light for all ray way.