O MAY I join the choir invisible

Of those immortal dead who live again

In minds made better by their presence: live 

In pulses stirred to generosity, 

In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn 

For miserable aims that end with self, 

In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, 

And with their mild persistence urge man’s search 

To vaster issues.

This is life to come,

Which martyred men have made more glorious

For us who strive to follow.   May I reach

That purest heaven, be to other souls 

The cup of strength in some great agony, 

Enkindle generous ardour, feed pure love,

Beget the smiles that have no cruelty – 

Be the sweet presence of a good diffused, 

And in diffusion ever more intense.

So shall I join the choir invisible

Whose music is the gladness of the world.