I saw a man -- and envied him beside -- Because of this world's goods he had great store; But even as I envied him, he died, And left me envious of him no more. I saw another man -- and envied still -- Because he was content with frugal lot; But as I envied him, the rich man's will Bequeathed him all, and envy I forgot. Yet still another man I saw, and he I envied for a calm and tranquil mind That nothing fretted in the least degree -- Until, alas! I found that he was blind. What vanity is envy! for I find I have been rich in dross of thought, and poor In that I was a fool, and lastly blind For never having seen myself before! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WINTRY WEATHER by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861) A BROKEN APPOINTMENT by THOMAS HARDY WHEN HE WOULD HAVE HIS VERSES READ by ROBERT HERRICK A HYMN WRITTEN IN WINDSOR FOREST by ALEXANDER POPE THE OLD HOKUM BUNCOMBE by ROBERT EMMET SHERWOOD NUPTIAL ODE ON THE MARRIAGE OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN AT HAWTHORNE'S GRAVE by CHARLOTTE FISKE BATES |