THOU DIDST well to turn me back when I came begging. In thy parting glance I saw a smile; and since then I have learnt my lesson. I break my old alms bowl, I wait for my chance to give what is mine. From the morning crowds have gathered at thy gateway. Let their need be all fulfilled. When at the fall of night they disperse, and cries are hushed; when stars seem listening to some epic of the age before their birth-time, of the fight of new-born light with ancient darkness, to thy feet I come with homage of my longing: 'Take my lute in thine own hand and play it, Master.'