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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CHASE OF PLEASURE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: We all are children in our strife to seize
Last Line: If the path followed lead us on to heaven!
Alternate Author Name(s): Hale, Sara; Hale, Sarah Josepha
Subject(s): Pleasure


WE all are children in our strife to seize
Each petty pleasure, as it lures the sight:
And like the tall tree, swaying in the breeze,
Our lofty wishes stoop their towering flight,
Till, when the aim is won, it seems no more
Than gather'd shell from ocean's countless store.

Or, like the boy, whose eager hand is raised
To seize the shining fly that folds its wings,
We grasp the pleasure, and then stand amazed
To find how small the real good it brings!
The joy is in the chase -- so finds the boy --
When seized, then he must lose it, or destroy.

And yet the child will have enjoyment true,
The sweet and simple pleasure of success;
He reasons not, as older minds would do,
How he shall show the world his happiness:
And, wiser than the crowds who seek display,
His own glad earnest purpose makes him gay.

And ever those who would enjoyment gain,
Must find it in the purpose they pursue;
The sting of falsehood loses half its pain
If our own soul bear witness -- we are true!
What matter though the scorn of fools be given,
If the path followed lead us on to heaven!





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