Endeavor
A loyal heart values the effort to create beauty, even if success is not fully achieved.
When the dust of the workshop is still, The dust of the workman at rest, May some generous heart find a will To seek and to treasure his best!
From the splendor of hopes that deceived; From the wonders he meant to do; From the glories nearly achieved; From the dreams that nearly came true.
From his struggle to rise above earth On the pinions that would not fly; From his sorrows; oh, seek for some worth To remember the workman by.
If in vain; if time sweeps all away, And no laurel from that dust springs; ’Tis enough that a loyal heart say, “He tried to make beautiful things.” (Text.)--EDEN PHILLPOTTS, _The Pall Mall Magazine_ (London).