Classic Poem

How beautiful the Earth is still
To thee--how full of Happiness;
How little fraught with real ill,
Or shadowy phantoms of distress;

How Spring can bring thee glory yet
And Summer win thee to forget
December's sullen time!
Why dost thou hold the treasure fast
Of youth's delight, when youth is past,
And thou art near thy prime?

When those who were thy own compeers,
Equal in fortune and in years,
Have seen their morning melt in tears,
To dull unlovely day;
Blest, had they died unproved and young,
Before their hearts were wildly wrung,--
Poor slaves, subdued by passions strong,
A weak and helpless prey!

"Because, I hoped while they enjoyed,
And by fulfilment, hope destroyed--
As children hope, with trustful breast,
I waited Bliss and cherished Rest.

"A thoughtful Spirit taught me soon
That we must long till life be done;
That every phase of earthly joy
Will always fade and always cloy--

"This I foresaw, and would not chase
The fleeting treacheries,
But with firm foot and tranquil face,
Held backward from that tempting race,
Gazed o'er the sands the waves efface
To the enduring seas--

"There cast my anchor of Desire
Deep in unknown Eternity;
Nor ever let my Spirit tire,
With looking for What is to be.

"It is Hope's spell that glorifies,
Like youth, to my maturer eyes
All Nature's million mysteries--
The fearful and the fair--

"Hope soothes me in the griefs I know,
She lulls my pain for others' woe
And makes me strong to undergo
What I am born to bear.

"Glad comforter, will I not brave,
Unawed, the darkness of the grave?
Nay, smile to hear Death's billows rave,
My Guide, sustained by thee?
The more unjust seems present fate,
The more my spirit swells elate,
Strong in thy strength, to anticipate
Rewarding Destiny!'