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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE HIDDEN TREASURE, by HENRY VAUGHAN Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: What can the man do that succeeds the king
Last Line: But for one thing, though purchased once before.
Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist
First Line: What can the man do that succeeds the king
Last Line: But for one thing, though purchased once before.
Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist
What can the man do that succeeds the King?
Even what was done before, and no new thing.
Who shows me but one grain of sincere light?
False stars and fire-drakes, the deceits of night
Set forth to fool and foil thee, do not boast;
Such coal-flames show but kitchen-rooms at most.
And those I saw searched through; yea those and all
That these three thousand years time did let fall
To blind the eyes of lookers-back, and I
Now all is done, find all is vanity.
Those secret searches, which afflict the wise,
Paths that are hidden from the vulture's eyes
I saw at distance, and where grows that fruit
Which others only grope for and dispute.
The world's loved wisdom (for the world's friends think
There is none else), did not the dreadful brink
And precipice it leads to, bid me fly,
None could with more advantage use, than I.
Man's favourite sins, those tainting appetites
Which nature breeds, and some fine clay invites,
With all their soft, kind arts and easy strains
Which strongly operate, though without pains,
Did not a greater beauty rule mine eyes,
None would more dote on, nor so soon entice.
But since these sweets are sour and poisoned here
Where the impure seeds flourish all the year,
And private tapers will but help to stray
Ev'n those, who by them would find out the day,
I'll seal my eyes up, and to thy commands
Submit my wild heart, and restrain my hands;
I will do nothing, nothing know, nor see
But what thou bidst, and showst, and teachest me.
Look what thou gav'st; all that I do restore
But for one thing, though purchased once before.