Canto XXV

I know that this was Life,—the track

      Whereon with equal feet we fared;

      And then, as now, the day prepared

The daily burden for the back.

But this it was that made me move

      As light as carrier-birds in air;

      I loved the weight I had to bear,

Because it needed help of Love:

Nor could I weary, heart or limb,

      When mighty Love would cleave in twain

      The lading of a single pain,

And part it, giving half to him.