This is the simple, safe, and certain way
That leads to knowledge for which all men pray
Of higher laws to govern things below.

But in our restless discontent we go
With noisy importuning day on day -
Drowning the inner voice that strives to say
'Only be still, and in the silence grow.'

We doubt, we cavil, and we talk of woe -
We delve in books, and waste our forces so;
We cling to creeds that were not meant to stay,
And close our ears to Truth's immortal lay.
Oh wouldst thou see, and understand, and know?
'Only be still, and in the silence grow.'



PARDONED OUT



I'm pardoned out. Again the stars
Shine on me with their myriad eyes.
So long I've peered 'twixt iron bars,
I'm awed by this expanse of skies.
The world is wider than I thought,
And yet 'tis not so wide, I know,
But into its remotest spot
My tale of shame can go.