OPPORTUNITY.

BUT yesterday, but yesterday,

She stood beside our dusty way,

Outreaching for one moment’ s space

The key to fortune’ s hiding-place.

With wistful meanings in her eyes,

Her radiance veiled in dull disguise,

A moment paused, then turned and fled,

Bearing her message still unsaid.

And we? Our eyes were on the dust;

Still faring on as fare all must

In the hot glare of midday sun

Until the weary way be done.

So, fast and far she sped and flew

Into the depths of ether blue;

And we, too late, make bitter cry,

“Come back, dear Opportunity!”

In vain: the fleet, unpausing wings

Stay not in their bright journeyings;

And sadly sweet as funeral bell

The answer drops, “Farewell! Farewell!”