|
|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SUBSTANCE AND SHADOW, by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: They do but grope in learning's pedant round
Last Line: Aided by heaven, by earth unthwarted still.
Subject(s): Reason; Intellect; Rationalism; Brain; Mind; Intellectuals
First Line: They do but grope in learning's pedant round
Last Line: Aided by heaven, by earth unthwarted still.
Subject(s): Reason; Intellect; Rationalism; Brain; Mind; Intellectuals
THEY do but grope in learning's pedant round,
Who on the fantasies of sense bestow
An idol substance, bidding us bow low
Before those shades of being which are found,
Stirring or still, on man's brief trial-ground;
As if such shapes and moods, which come and go,
Had aught of Truth or Life in their poor show,
To sway or judge, and skill to sane or wound.
Son of immortal seed, high-destined Man!
Know thy dread gift, -- a creature, yet a cause:
Each mind is its own centre, and it draws
Home to itself, and moulds in its thought's span
All outward things, the vassals of its will,
Aided by Heaven, by earth unthwarted still.
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!
Other Poems of Interest...
AGAINST EXCESS OF SEA OR SUN OR REASON by WILLIAM MEREDITH
PROVISION FOR THE HIGHER OZONE BODY by WILL ALEXANDER
THE BOOK OF THE DEAD MAN (#65) by MARVIN BELL
THE MACHINATIONS OF THE MIND by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR
WHY FOOL AROUND? by STEPHEN DOBYNS
POPHAM OF THE NEW SONG: 1 by NORMAN DUBIE