BECAUSE the Few with signal virtue crowned, The heights and pinnacles of human mind, Sadder and wearier than the rest are found, Wish not thy Soul less wise or less refined. True that the small delights which every day Cheer and distract the pilgrim are not theirs; True that, though free from Passion's lawless sway, A loftier being brings severer cares. Yet have they special pleasures, even mirth, By those undreamt of who have only trod Life's valley smooth; and if the rolling earth To their nice ear have many a painful tone, They know, Man does not live by Joy alone, But by the presence of the power of God. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE SHEPHERD, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE VAIN TEARS, FR. THE QUEEN OF CORINTH by JOHN FLETCHER THE NOBLEMAN AND THE PENSIONER by GOTTLIEB KONRAD PFEFFEL METAMORPHOSES: BOOK 8. BAUCIS AND PHILEMON by PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 11. THE LOVE-LETTER by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI |