Classic Poem

Why readest thou? thou canst not gain the life
The spirit leads, but by the spirit's toil;
The labor of the body is not strife,
Such as will give to thee the wine and oil;
To him who hath, to him my verse shall give,
And he the more from all he does shall gain;
The spirit's life he too shall learn to live,
And share on earth in hope the spirit's pain;
Be taught of God; none else can learn thee aught;
He will thy steps forever lead aright,
The life is all that He his sons has taught,
Obey within, and thou shalt see its light;
And gather from its beams a brighter ray,
To cheer thee on along thy doubtful way.