Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET: MAN VERSUS ASCETIC. 2, by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET: MAN VERSUS ASCETIC. 2, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I mark thy clenched jaw, and murmured vow
Last Line: "and smile up gratefully with childlike eyes."
Alternate Author Name(s): Leigh, Arbor; Guggenberger, Mrs. Ignatz; Bevington, L. S.


I mark thy clenched jaw, and murmured vow:
"Never -- so help me Heaven! -- will I be blest;
Never -- so aid my will! -- take any rest,
Nor common joy of lazier souls allow
My meritless endeavour. Rather, how
Most surely guard from recompense my quest
After the purely-high, mysterious Best;
And win it gladliest blood-sweat on my brow."
"O valiant to presumption!" -- Nature cries, --
"This thraldom of self-will, I charge thee, break;
My children need thy bliss; and wilt thou take
At their discomfiture thy single prize?
Turn thee and dare be happy for their sake,
And smile up gratefully with childlike eyes."







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