'NOW having gained Life's gain, how hold it fast? The harder task! because the world is still The world, and days creep slow, and wear the will, And custom, gendering in the heart's blind waste, Brings forth a winged mist, which with no haste Upcircling the steep air, and charged with ill, Blots all our shining heights adorable, And leaves slain Faith, slain Hope, slain Love the last.' O shallow lore of life! He who hath won Life's gain doth hold nought fast, who could hold all, Holden himself of strong, immortal Powers. The stars accept him; for his sake the Sun Has sworn in heaven an oath memorial; Around his feet stoop the obsequious Hours. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE EARLY MORNING by HILAIRE BELLOC SUPPLICATION by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. THE FARMER'S BRIDE by CHARLOTTE MEW ON A BOY'S FIRST READING OF THE PLAY OF 'KING HENRY THE FIFTH' by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL MARIZIBILL by GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE SATIRE: 1 by AULUS PERSIUS FLACCUS CAELIA: SONNETS: 1 by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) THE 'NAME UNKNOWN' (IN IMITATION OF KLOPSTOCK) by THOMAS CAMPBELL |