Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, RICH AND POOR, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

RICH AND POOR, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When god built up the dome of blue
Last Line: And conscience is our captain too.
Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord
Subject(s): Poverty; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes


WHEN God built up the dome of blue,
And portioned earth's prolific floor,
The measure of his wisdom drew
A line between the Rich and Poor;
And till that vault of glory fall,
Or beauteous earth be scarred with flame,
Or saving love be all in all,
That rule of life will rest the same.

We know not why, we know not how,
Mankind are framed for weal or woe --
But to the Eternal Law we bow;
If such things are, they must be so.
Yet, let no cloudy dreams destroy
One truth outshining bright and clear,
That Wealth abides in Hope and Joy,
And Poverty in Pain and Fear.

Behold our children as they play!
Blest creatures, fresh from Nature's hand;
The peasant boy as great and gay
As the young heir to gold and land;
Their various toys of equal worth,
Their little needs of equal care,
And halls of marble, huts of earth,
All homes alike endeared and fair.

They know no better! -- would that we
Could keep our knowledge safe from worse;
So Power should find and leave us free,
So Pride be but the owner's curse;
So, without marking which was which,
Our hearts would tell, by instinct sure,
What paupers are the ambitious Rich!
How wealthy the contented Poor!

Grant us, O God! but health and heart,
And strength to keep desire at bay,
And ours must be the better part,
Whatever else besets our way.
Each day may bring sufficient ill;
But we can meet and fight it through,
If Hope sustains the hand of Will,
And Conscience is our captain too.





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