Versos English Charlotte Fiske Bates Action

English poem

Action

by (1838–1916)

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"Wherefore is it that we live and die?" Who thus questioned lived a life of light, And full many a soul in sorrow's night Blest him in its thought when out of sight; While each child of misery passing by Knew why he was born, but not why he should die.

"For God’s glory do we live and die:" Who thus answered thrust the asker out With the unforgiven, for his doubt; Yet his own life was a silent flout To the God whom it should glorify: None knew why he was born, or why he should not die.