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THE HUMAN spirits saw I on a day, Sitting and looking each a different way; And hardly tasking, subtly questioning, Another spirit went around the ring To each and each: and as he ceased his say, Each after each, I heard them singly sing, Some querulously high, some softly, sadly low, We know not—what avails to know? We know not—wherefore need we know? This answer gave they still unto his suing, We know not, let us do as we are doing. Dost thou not know that these things only seem?— I know not, let me dream my dream. Are dust and ashes fit to make a treasure?— I know not, let me take my pleasure. What shall avail the knowledge thou hast sought?— I know not, let me think my thought. What is the end of strife?— I know not, let me live my life. How many days or e’er thou mean’st to move?— I know not, let me love my love. Were not things old once new?— I know not, let me do as others do. And when the rest were over past, I know not, I will do my duty, said the last.
Thy duty do? rejoined the voice,
And taking up the word around, above, below, |