Lord Lytton

There is purpose in pain,
Otherwise it were devilish.

There is purpose in pain,
Otherwise it were devilish.

We are but as the instrument of Heaven.
Our work is not design, but destiny.

We are but as the instrument of Heaven.
Our work is not design, but destiny.

And the jasmine flower in her fair young breast,
(O the faint, sweet smell of that jasmine flower!)
read more

And the jasmine flower in her fair young breast,
(O the faint, sweet smell of that jasmine flower!)
And the one bird singing alone to his nest.
And the one star over the tower.

No life
Can be pure in its purpose or strong in its strife
And all life not read more

No life
Can be pure in its purpose or strong in its strife
And all life not be purer and stronger thereby.

Alas! must it ever be so?
Do we stand in our own light, wherever we go,
And read more

Alas! must it ever be so?
Do we stand in our own light, wherever we go,
And fight our own shadows forever?