I have been told by men of lore—
And poets sing it o'er and o'er—
That "the road to fame is long and steep!”
Yet men will tread that weary way,
They'll labor hard both night and day,
Till eyes are dim and hair is gray,
To gain the longed for prize.
And if they gain what they pursue,
It disappears like morning dew,
When death life's string unties.
I am informed by Truth Divine,
That mortals may with honors shine
In brilliant courts of fame;
And yet no labor is required:
It is by grace alone acquired!
Then why are humans not inspired
By offers such as this?
These honors last forever too;
Then why, oh, why, are there so few
That crave eternal bliss?