  IN the dawn of the day when the sea and the earth Reflected the sunrise above, I set forth with a heart full of courage and mirth To seek for the Kingdom of Love. I asked of a Poet I met on the way Which cross-road would lead me aright. And he said: “Follow me, and ere long you shall see Its glittering turrets of light.” And soon in the distance a city shone fair. “Look yonder,” he said; “how it gleams!” But alas! for the hopes that were doomed to despair, It was only the “Kingdom of Dreams.” Then the next man I asked was a gay Cavalier, And he said: “Follow me, follow me;” And with laughter and song we went speeding along By the shores of Life’s beautiful sea. Then we came to a valley more tropical far Than the wonderful vale of Cashmere, And I saw from a bower a face like a flower Smile out on the gay Cavalier. And he said: “We have come to humanity’s goal: Here love and delight are intense.” But alas and alas! for the hopes of my soul— It was only the “Kingdom of Sense.” As I journeyed more slowly I met on the road A coach with retainers behind. And they said: “Follow me, for our Lady’s abode Belongs in that realm, you will find.” ’Twas a grand dame of fashion, a newly-made bride, I followed, encouraged and bold; But my hopes died away like the last gleams of day, For we came to the “Kingdom of Gold.” At the door of a cottage I asked a fair maid. “I have heard of that realm,” she replied; “But my feet never roam from the ‘Kingdom of Home,’ So I know not the way,” and she sighed. I looked on the cottage; how restful it seemed! And the maid was as fair as a dove. Great light glorified my soul as I cried: “Why home is the ‘Kingdom of Love! |
|
