IF that be yet a living soul which here Seemed brighter for the growth of numbered springs And clothed by Time and Pain with goodlier things Each year it saw fulfilled a fresh fleet year, Death can have changed not aught that made it dear; Half humorous goodness, grave-eyed mirth on wings Bright-balanced, blither-voiced than quiring strings; Most radiant patience, crowned with conquering cheer; A spirit inviolable that smiled and sang By might of nature and heroic need More sweet and strong than loftiest dream or deed; A song that shone, a light whence music rang High as the sunniest heights of kindliest thought; All these must be, or all she was be nought. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO THE EVENING STAR by WILLIAM BLAKE FOR G. by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON UPON HIS PICTURE by THOMAS RANDOLPH IDYLLS OF THE KING: PELLEAS AND ETTARRE by ALFRED TENNYSON ON SENESIS' MUMMY by LEONIE ADAMS PENULTIMATE PURITAN by HELEN L. BARNES THE LITTLE OLD WOMEN by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE FORMALITY AND THE SOUL: 2. JAMES MACNEIL WHISTLER by KARL W. BIGELOW |