Abstract Nº52

To complete my expression of admiration for many works of Van Dyke, who was always at the shadow of Tennyson anyway, is that I post this poem from him, now that it coincides its subject with this stressed month of mine. And surely passionate workers will like the poem too.

Let me but do my work from day to day,
In field or forest, at the desk or loom,
In roaring market-place or tranquil room;
Let me but find it in my heart to say,
When vagrant wishes beckon me astray,
"This is my work; my blessing, not my doom;
"Of all who live, I am the one by whom
"This work can best be done in the right way."

Then shall I see it not too great, nor small,
To suit my spirit and to prove my powers;
Then shall I cheerful greet the labouring hours,
And cheerful turn, when the long shadows fall
At eventide, to play and love and rest,
Because I know for me my work is best.

Henry Van Dyke, "Work"