LOOK now on that Adventurer who hath paid His vows to Fortune; who, in cruel slight Of virtuous hope, of liberty, and right, Hath followed wheresoe'er a way was made By the blind Goddess,--ruthless, undismayed; And so hath gained at length a prosperous height, Round which the elements of worldly might Beneath his haughty feet, like clouds, are laid. O joyless power that stands by lawless force! Curses are 'his' dire portion, scorn, and hate, Internal darkness and unquiet breath; And, if old judgments keep their sacred course, Him from that height shall Heaven precipitate By violent and ignominious death. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...GRACE FOR CHILDREN by ROBERT HERRICK FIRELIGHT by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON IMMORTALITY by GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL STELLA'S BIRTHDAY, 1725 by JONATHAN SWIFT THE SINGER IN THE PRISON by WALT WHITMAN THE HANDSOME KNIGHT by MUHAMMAD AL-MU'TAMID II THE POET TO HIS GARRET by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER |