My low deserts consist not with applause So kindly - when I fain would deem it so, My sad heart, musing on its proper flaws, Thy gentle commendation must forego; As toys, which, glued together, hold awhile, But, haply brought too near some searching fire, Start from their frail compacture, and beguile The child, that pieced them, of his fond desire: I was a very child for that brief tide, Whenas I join'd and solder'd thy good word With my poor merits - 'twas a moment's pride - The flames of conscience sunder'd their accord: My heart dropt off in sorrow from thy praise, Self-knowledge baulk'd self-love so many ways. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE ANGEL, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE THE FLOWER OF FINAE by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS THE RE-CURED LOVER EXULTETH IN HIS FREEDOM by THOMAS WYATT PAMPINEA by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THE TUTELAGE by ROBERT MOWRY BELL PSALM 119 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE AT SENLIS ONCE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN |