Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A DOUBT, by HENRY ALFORD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A DOUBT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I know not how the right may be
Last Line: Are farthest off from earthly pride.
Subject(s): Doubt; Skepticism


I KNOW not how the right may be: --
But I give thanks whene'er I see
Down in the green slopes of the West
Old Glastonbury's tower'd crest.

I know not how the right may be: --
But I have oft had joy to see,
By play of chance, my road beside,
The cross on which the Saviour died.

I know not how the right may be: --
But I loved once a tall elm tree,
Because between its boughs on high
That cross was open'd in the sky.

I know not how the right may be: --
But I have shed strange tears to see,
Passing an unknown town at night,
In some warm chambers full of light,
A mother and two children fair
Kneeling with lifted hands at prayer.

I know not how it is -- my boast
Of Reason seems to dwindle down;
And my mind seems down-argued most
By freed conclusions not her own.

I know not how it is -- unless
Weakness and strength are near allied;
And joys which most the spirit bless
Are farthest off from earthly pride.





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