Changeful with glow and chequered shade, a sight
Now gloom'd with grief, and now with joy elate,
How strange, how sweet, is life, how poised our state,
Now fair as day, now black as midmost night,
Well woofed with sorrow, webbed with strong delight.
And love outlined above distrust and hate
(Soul that with soul can conquer hell or fate).
Gladness that strives with gloom that strives with light.
And as we watch the shuttle to and fro
Weave out the pattern of our joy and woe.
And bind the warp and weft's opposing strain,
We note the nobler unity, and know
By dark and light the beauty fuller so,
And life more rich through joy's commingling pain.