Earth gets its price for what Earth gives us; The beggar is taxed for a corner to die in, The priest hath his fee who comes and shrives us, We bargain for the graves we lie in; Each ounce of dross costs its ounce of gold... 'T is heaven alone that is given away, 'T is only God may be had for the asking; There is no price set on the lavish summer, And June may be had by the poorest comer.
James Russell LowellTruth, after all, wears a different face to everybody, and it would be too tedious to wait till all were agreed.
James Russell LowellWho is it needs such flawless shafts as fate? What archer of his arrows is so choice, or hits the white so surely?
James Russell LowellLove lives on, and hath a power to bless when they who loved are hidden in the grave.
James Russell Lowell