Who knows the perfect life on earth? It lies beyond this mortal breath; It is to give the same kind thoughts To Life as we bequeath to Death. It is to show a steadfast love; As faithful to our friends that live As our dead friends are to ourselves -- Sealed up from gossip, in the grave. But who can lead this saintly life, When friends are false and men unkind; And every man will cheat a man Whose trust, like faith in God, is blind. Hang this pale fool, Philosophy! Kind hearts obey themselves, no other: Why like a saint can I take pain And not inflict it on another? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NOT TRANSHISTORICAL DEATH, OR AT LEAST NOT QUITE by HAYDEN CARRUTH SPRING'S WELCOME, FR. ALEXANDER AND CAMPASPE by JOHN LYLY THE PILLAR OF THE CLOUD by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN FOR MY OWN TOMBSTONE by MATTHEW PRIOR PENISKEE by THOMAS GOLD APPLETON |