BUT yesterday, but yesterday,
She stood beside our dusty way,
Outreaching for one moment’s space
The key to fortune’s hiding-place.
With wistful meanings in her eyes,
Her radiance veiled in dull disguise,
A moment paused, then turned and fled,
Bearing her message still unsaid.
And we? Our eyes were on the dust;
Still faring on as fare all must
In the hot glare of midday sun
Until the weary way be done.
So, fast and far she sped and flew
Into the depths of ether blue;
And we, too late, make bitter cry,
“Come back, dear Opportunity!”
In vain: the fleet, unpausing wings
Stay not in their bright journeyings;
And sadly sweet as funeral bell
The answer drops, “Farewell! Farewell!”