THE BALLAD OF THE QUEST

“Some day,” I said, “before Life is over,

I will shut my house door, and will be a rover.”

Under the sky where the great stars roll,

I will search for my faith, and search for my soul.

I have fared without them this many a day

Through the market-place of the world's high-way.

The truth I gave in exchange for a lie,

And I bartered my dreams to a passer-by.

I have met Delilah,— her enchantments I know

As the man of strength knew them ages ago.

Fool's gold and fool's joy have been my reaping,

And my heart has nothing that's worth the keeping.

But the world is wide and the world is free,

And the things I have lost may come back to me.

I will follow the path of the bird that flies,

And look for a woman with honest eyes.

If I travel hard, and travel alone,

I may overtake Peace, and make it my own.

Only the Sun and the Moon's sweet light

Shall mark my day, or measure my night.

Silks and satins and embroidered things,

I'll exchange for blossoms and butter-flies’ wings.

And under a thorn-hedge I will dine

On a handful of berries, as red as wine.

Or I'll earn my bread on the out-bound ships,

With the sun in my eyes, and salt on my lips.

And for the softness of beds and pillows,

I'll take a hammock that swings with the billows.

It may be the trail will lead me afar

To mountain paths, where the wild sheep are.

Or with simple people, and free from guile,

I will pitch my tent and will rest awhile.

I am weary of softness and things of ease,

And weary of Scribes, and of Pharisees.

On a morning road where the wind is strong,

I may learn again to whistle a song.

Down forest paths, or the ways of the sea,

My soul and my faith may come back to me.

And always and ever beneath the skies,

I will look for a woman with honest eyes.

I will follow no will at all but my own,

And the road I take I will take alone.

“Some day,” I said, “before Life is over,

I will shut my house door, and will be a rover.”