MIND, dangerous and glorious gift! Too much thy native heaven has left Its nature in thee, for thy light To be content with earthly home. It hath another, and its sight Will too much to that other roam; And heavenly light and earthly clay, But ill bear with alternate sway: Till jarring elements create The evil which they sought to shun, And deeper feel their mortal state In struggling for a higher one. There is no rest for the proud mind, Conscious of its high powers confined; Vain dreams and feverish hopes arise, It is itself its sacrifice. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 35 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING A FAREWELL TO FOLLY: CONTENT by ROBERT GREENE TENEBRIS by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE THE ONE GRAY HAIR by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR PASSED BY by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS |