Which is the greater thing? To dwell on high As God does, far apart from all the cares Of mankind, kissed by heavenly golden airs And all the countless flower-scents of the sky,— Or Christ-like and Prometheus-like to die?— Which is the nobler? Man who suffers long? Or God who guards himself with fence of song From sight of sorrow and from sound of sigh?— Which is the grander? God with silken hair Smooth, fragrant, combed, anointed,—or the grim Blood-stained and sweat-stained form that faces him?— Man wounded, marred, yet terrible and fair: With hand on red sword jagged along the rim And armour God's weak shoulders could not bear. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPAIN IN AMERICA by GEORGE SANTAYANA THE INVITATION (TO TOM HUGHES) by CHARLES KINGSLEY TO THE DAISY (2) by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH A LAMENT FOR PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN PILGRIMAGE by ELIZABETH WILCOX BEASLEY SONNETS OF SEVEN CITIES: CHICAGO by BERTON BRALEY THE CANTERBURY TALES: THE PARDONER'S INTRODUCTION AND PROLOGUE by GEOFFREY CHAUCER |