WHOSO can rule his soul In prudence still; Who can his heart control, His thought, his will; Whom, temperate in all, Labour and play, No low desires enthral Nor lead astray; Seeking the golden mean, To Duty vowed, -- Ay, though black depths between Roar dark and loud; He shall new pleasures find, More fruitful far Than for the undisciplined And sensual are; A kingdom absolute, A wider sway Than his whom myriads mute And blind obey. For in his soul one voice Alone is heard, Which bids his being rejoice, One perfect word, Stronger than heated youth, Mightier than wrong -- The Godlike voice of Truth, A constant song. Silence all discords loud Within the breast! Fly from the troubled crowd To peace and rest! And let the enfranchised soul, From self set free, Find in Right's dread control True Liberty! |