THE GIFTS
There were three gifts at eventide the West Wind brought to me,That I might choose for joy or use my fate from out the three:“Now here is gold,” the West Wind saith, “and fair it is to see;Who chooseth gold hath power to hold; men serve him loyally.”“A prince he is,” the West Wind saith; “I know the hidden mine;Shalt lead thee now o’er fire and snow to where the ingots shine?”Nay then, who hath the yellow gold hath trouble at his back;Whose needs are few, whose heart is true, what knoweth he of lack?“But here is Love,” the West Wind saith, “the light of life is he;Wilt bid him now to bind thy brow with myrtle greenery?He sets the pace that young feet dance, and leads with lute and bow;Take thou his hand and through the land with him till curfew go.”Nay then, for he who seeketh Love finds but an empty nest;Love cometh still of his own will, unsought, and that is best.Then one spake up full loud and clear: “Now I am Work,” said he;“And they that hold not love nor gold have need of mine and me.”“Wilt follow, follow, where I lead?” his voice rang free and strong;“Here’s hope and cheer for all the year; here’s balm for every wrong.”Yea, I will turn and follow thee; thou speakest like a king;—“Then shalt thou see if true thou be,the other gifts I bring.”