Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PERFECT LIFE by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHO KNOWS THE PERFECT LIFE ON EARTH?
Last Line: AND NOT INFLICT IT ON ANOTHER?
Subject(s): HUMAN BEHAVIOR; CONDUCT OF LIFE; HUMAN NATURE;
Who knows the perfect life on earth?
It lies beyond this mortal breath;
It is to give the same kind thoughts
To Life as we bequeath to Death.

It is to show a steadfast love;
As faithful to our friends that live
As our dead friends are to ourselves --
Sealed up from gossip, in the grave.

But who can lead this saintly life,
When friends are false and men unkind;
And every man will cheat a man
Whose trust, like faith in God, is blind.

Hang this pale fool, Philosophy!
Kind hearts obey themselves, no other:
Why like a saint can I take pain
And not inflict it on another?



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