Ah, vain regret! to few, perchance, Unknown, and profitless to all; The wisely-gay, as years advance, Are gaily-wise. Whate'er befall, We'll laugh at folly, whether seen Beneath a chimney or a steeple; At yours, at mine—our own, I mean, As well as that of other people. They cannot be complete in aught Who are not humorously prone,— A man without a merry thought Can hardly have a funny bone. To say I hate your dismal men Might be esteemed a strong assertion; If I've blue devils now and then, I make them dance for my diversion. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MAPLE AND SUMACH by CECIL DAY LEWIS THE FISH, THE MAN, AND THE SPIRIT (COMPLETE) by JAMES HENRY LEIGH HUNT THE MARRIAGE VOW by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON IDYLLS OF THE KING: THE COMING OF ARTHUR by ALFRED TENNYSON THE BABY-HOUSE by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |