O World, thou choosest not the better part! It is not wisdom to be only wise, And on the inward vision close the eyes, But it is wisdom to believe the heart. Columbus found a world, and had no chart, Save one that faith deciphered in the skies; To trust the soul's invincible surmise Was all his science and his only art. Our knowledge is a torch of smoky pine That lights the pathway but one step ahead Across a void of mystery and dread. Bid, then, the tender light of faith to shine By which alone the mortal heart is led Unto the thinking of the thought divine. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE WORLD by FREDERICK WILLIAM FABER THE COURTSHIP OF MILES STANDISH by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW BORDER BALLAD [OR MARCH, OR SONG], FR. THE MONASTERY by WALTER SCOTT THE SANDPIPER by CELIA LEIGHTON THAXTER A WINTER PIECE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH |