Farewell has long been said; I have forgone thee; 
I never name thee even. 
But how shall I learn virtues and yet shun thee? 
For thou art so near Heaven 
That Heavenward meditations pause upon thee.

Thou dost beset the path to every shrine; 
My trembling thoughts discern 
Thy goodness in the good for which I pine; 
And, if I turn from but one sin, I turn 
Unto a smile of thine.

How shall I thrust thee apart 
Since all my growth tends to thee night and day-- 
To thee faith, hope, and art? 
Swift are the currents setting all one way; 
They draw my life, my life, out of my heart.