Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HAPPINESS (1); SONNET, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HAPPINESS (1); SONNET, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Because the few with signal virtue crowned
Last Line: But by the presence of the power of god.
Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord
Subject(s): Happiness; Joy; Delight


BECAUSE the Few with signal virtue crowned,
The heights and pinnacles of human mind,
Sadder and wearier than the rest are found,
Wish not thy Soul less wise or less refined.
True that the small delights which every day
Cheer and distract the pilgrim are not theirs;
True that, though free from Passion's lawless sway,
A loftier being brings severer cares.
Yet have they special pleasures, even mirth,
By those undreamt of who have only trod
Life's valley smooth; and if the rolling earth
To their nice ear have many a painful tone,
They know, Man does not live by Joy alone,
But by the presence of the power of God.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net