THE first of all my masters was Delight -- I bent my knee to worship him, and sought His ministers, and all the bliss they wrought, In Day's large splendor, and the peace of Night, In song, and mirth, and every goodly sight; Until fair Love another lesson taught, And bitter pain dearer than pleasure brought, And my whole soul was subject to his might. Brief while I strove for Fame -- his laurel wreath Seemed good to wear, and dear the fleeting breath With which men praise the idol of an hour; But one drew nigh me clothed upon with power, And looking in the awful eyes of Death I knew the Master at whose touch we cower. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LINES WRITTEN TO A TRANSLATOR OF GREEK POETRY by MARGARET STEELE ANDERSON BALLDE DES PENDUS by THEODORE FAULLAIN DE BANVILLE THE FLOWER-GATHERERS by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN BELINDA'S RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS by WILLIAM BROOME LOVE AND FAME by EDWARD GEORGE EARLE LYTTON BULWER-LYTTON SHIPS AT SEA by ROBERT BARRY COFFIN |