I. WHITHER did my fancy stray? By what magic drawn away Have I left my studious theme? From this philosophic page, From the problems of the sage, Wandering through a pleasing dream? II. 'Tis in vain, alas! I find, Much in vain, my zealous mind Would to learned wisdom's throne Dedicate each thoughtful hour: Nature bids a softer power Claim some minutes for his own. III. Let the busy or the wise View him with contemptuous eyes; Love is native to the heart: Guide its wishes as you will; Without love you'll find it still Void in one essential part. IV. Me though no peculiar fair Touches with a lover's care; Though the pride of my desire Asks immortal friendship's name, Asks the palm of honest fame, And the old heroic lyre; V. Though the day have smoothly gone, Or to letter'd leisure known, Or in social duty spent; Yet at eve my lonely breast Seeks in vain for perfect rest; Languishes for true content. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOLY THURSDAY, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE THE LOST MISTRESS by ROBERT BROWNING THE PLAINT OF THE CAMEL by CHARLES EDWARD CARRYL THE BRIDGE BUILDER by WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE THE SPIRIT OF SHAKESPEARE: 2 by GEORGE MEREDITH MR. FLOOD'S PARTY by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON |