| George William (“A. E.”) Russell (1867–1935). Collected Poems by A.E. 1913. |
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| 159. Hope in Failure |
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| THOUGH now thou hast failed and art fallen, despair not because of defeat, | |
| Though lost for a while be thy heaven and weary of earth be thy feet, | |
| For all will be beauty about thee hereafter through sorrowful years, | |
| And lovely the dews for thy chilling and ruby thy heart-drip of tears. | |
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| The eyes that had gazed from afar on a beauty that blinded the eyes | 5 |
| Shall call forth its image for ever, its shadow in alien skies. | |
| The heart that had striven to beat in the heart of the Mighty too soon | |
| Shall still of that beating remember some errant and faltering tune. | |
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| For thou hast but fallen to gather the last of the secrets of power; | |
| The beauty that breathes in thy spirit shall shape of thy sorrow a flower, | 10 |
| The pale bud of pity shall open the bloom of its tenderest rays, | |
| The heart of whose shining is bright with the light of the Ancient of Days. | |
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