I DRAGGED my life along with sullen sighs In heaviness of body and of soul, Knowing not yet the Muse's high control And honor that she brings her votaries, Until the hour I loved you. Then your eyes Became my guide to lead to virtue's goal, Where I might win that knowledge fair and whole Which by true loving makes men nobly wise. O love, my all, if aught of good I do, If worthily of your dear eyes I write, You are the cause, yours is the potency. My perfect grace comes ever but from you, You are my spirit! If I work aright, 'Tis you that do it, you that work in me. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE RAINY SEASON by CLARENCE MAJOR GOLD COAST CUSTOMS by EDITH SITWELL FAREWELL TO HIS WIFE by GEORGE GORDON BYRON SCHOOL AND SCHOOLFELLOWS; FLOREAT ETONA by WINTHROP MACKWORTH PRAED UNREALITY by MERCEDES DE ACOSTA PATRIOTISM AND FREEDOM by JOANNA BAILLIE |