Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE GOOD, by JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE GOOD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What is the real good?
Last Line: "kindness is the word."
Variant Title(s): What Is Good?
Subject(s): Kindness


"What is the real good?"
I asked in musing mood.
Order, said the law court;
Knowledge, said the school;
Truth, said the wise man;
Pleasure, said the fool;
Love, said the maiden;
Beauty, said the page;
Freedom, said the dreamer;
Home, said the sage;
Fame, said the soldier;
Equity, said the seer;
Spoke my heart full sadly,
"The answer is not here."
Then within my bosom
Softly this I heard:
"Each heart holds the secret;
Kindness is the word."





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