Not credulous, yet active in belief

That good is better than the worst is bad;

A generous courage mirrored in the glad

Challenging eyes, that gentle oft with grief

For honest woe—while lurking like a thief,

Peering around the corners, humor creeps,

Into the gravest matters pries and peeps,

Till grimmest face relaxes with relief;

A heart belovÈd of the wiser gods

Grown weary of solemnity prolonged—

That snatches scraps of gladness while Fate nods,

Varying life’s prose with stories many-songed:

One who has faced the dark and naught denied—

Yet lives persistent on the brightest side.