THEY who have governed with a self control Each wild and baneful passion of the soul— Curbed the strong impulse of all fierce desires, But kept alive affection's purer fires; Those who have passed the labyrinth of life Without one hour of weakness or of strife; Prepared each change of future to endure, Humble tho' rich, and dignified tho' poor— Skilled in the latest movements of the heart— Learned in that lore which nature can impart; Teaching that sweet philosophy aloud Which sees the silver lining of the cloud; Looking for good in all beneath the skies— Those only can be numbered with the wise. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET: ON A FAMILY PICTURE by THOMAS EDWARDS AFAR IN THE DESERT by THOMAS PRINGLE ODES IV, 7. TO TORQUATUS. DIFFUGERE NIVES by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS AN EARNEST SUIT [TO HIS UNKIND MISTRESS NOT TO FORESAKE HIM] by THOMAS WYATT AGAMEMNON: THE PURPLE CARPER by AESCHYLUS TO SAN FRANCISCO by S. J. ALEXANDER THE LAST MAN by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES REBECCA; WHO SLAMMED DOORS FOR FUN AND PERISHED MISERABLY by HILAIRE BELLOC |