Proem by Gilbert Parker — Read

And the Angel said: / "What hast thou for all thy travail -- / what dost thou bring with thee out of the dust of the world?"

And the man answered: / "Behold, I bring one perfect yesterday!"

And the Angel questioned: / "Hast thou then no to-morrow?

Hast thou no hope?"

And the man replied: / "Who am I that I should hope!

Out of all my life I have been granted one sheaf of memory."

And the Angel said: / "Is this all!"

And the man answered: / "Of all else was I robbed by the way: / but Memory was hidden safely / in my heart -- the world found it not. "