PITY, says the Theban bard, From my wishes I discard; Envy, let me rather be, Rather far, a theme for thee! Pity to distress is shown, Envy to the great alone. So the Theban: but to shine Less conspicuous be mine! I prefer the golden mean, Pomp and penury between; For alarm and peril wait Ever on the loftiest state, And the lowest, to the end, Obloquy and scorn attend. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BLESSED VIRGIN, COMPARED TO THE AIR WE BREATHE by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS THE BOOK OF THE LETTER, SELECTION by ABRAHAM ABULAFIA GEORGE LEVISON OR, THE SCHOOLFELLOWS by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM IN THAT DAY by ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER BENSON SUBWAY by CLARA EXLINE BOCKOVEN TO A LADY FOR A NOSEGAY by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD AURORA LEIGH: BOOK 2 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |