Tell me, Tramp, where I may go To be free from human woe; Say where I may hope to find Ease of heart and peace of mind; Is thee not some isle you know Where I may leave Care behind?
So spoke one is sore distress, And I answered softly: "Yes, There's an isle so sweet and kind So to clemency inclined, So serene in loveliness That the blind may lead the blind.
"Where there is no shade of fear, For the sun shines all the year, And there hangs on every tree Fruit and food for you an me: With each dawn so crystal clear How like heaven earth can be!
"Where in mild and friendly clime You will lose all count of time, See the seasons blend in one, Under sovereignty of sun; Day with day resolve in rhyme, Reveries and nothing done.
"You will mock the ocean roar, Knowing you will evermore Bide beside a lorn lagoon, Listen to the ripples croon On the muteness of the shore, Silver-shattered in the moon.
"Come, let's quit this sorry strife, Seek a sweeter, saner life, Go so far, so very far It just seems another star. Go where joy and love are rife, Go where peace and plenty are."
But he answered: "Brother, no, To your isle I'll never go, For the pity in my heart Will not let me live apart From God's world of want and woe: I will stay and play my part, Strive and suffer . . . Be it so."