But is congenial quiet, and of frame Sound health, sufficient? Does not mind demand Food and exhilaration? Conscience, ever Busy within us, must fulfil its aim! Around us circles an aerial band, Which tells us spiritual labours to endeavour; And not alone the senses to employ, As the pure channels of our earthly joy! There is, within, a deity, whose desires We must sustain and feed by mental fires; The insate mind, but from without supplied, Languishes on a weak imperfect food; If sustenance more spiritual be denied, With flame consuming on itself't will brood! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A COMPARISON [ADDRESSED] TO A YOUNG LADY by WILLIAM COWPER A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 50 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN DOCTOR FELL by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS FORMERLY A SLAVE' (AN IDEALIZED PORTRAIT, BY E. VEDDER) by HERMAN MELVILLE THE WOOD THRUSH by SUSAN SHARP ADAMS ON THE ENGINE AGAIN by ALEXANDER ANDERSON |