WHENCE took the diamond worth? the borrow'd rays That crystal wears, whence had they first their praise? Why should rude feet contemn the snow's chaste white, Which from the sun receives a sparkling light, Brighter than diamonds far, and by its birth Decks the green garment of the richer earth? Rivers than crystal clearer, when to ice Congeal'd, why do weak judgements so despise? Which, melting, show that to impartial sight Weeping than smiling crystal is more bright. But Fancy those first priz'd, and these did scorn, Taking their praise the other to adorn. Thus blind is human sight: opinion gave To their esteem a birth, to theirs a grave; Nor can our judgements with these clouds dispense, Since reason sees but with the eyes of sense. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ARCTURUS IN AUTUMN by SARA TEASDALE THE WOUNDED CUPID. SONG by ANACREON MERLIN'S PROPHESY by WILLIAM BLAKE THE DEFILED SANCTUARY by WILLIAM BLAKE A RENOUNCING OF LOVE by THOMAS WYATT NIOBE: INEXORABLE DEATH by AESCHYLUS DOOMSDAY: TREASURES IN HEAVEN by WILLIAM ALEXANDER (1567-1640) LILIES: 7. BEHIND by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) THE BRIDES' TRAGEDY: ACT 1, SCENE 1 by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |