FROM the dark chambers of dejection freed, Spurning the unprofitable yoke of care, Rise, Gillies, rise; the gales of youth shall bear Thy genius forward like a winged steed. Though bold Bellerophon (so Jove decreed In wrath) fell headlong from the fields of air, Yet a rich guerdon waits on minds that dare, If aught be in them of immortal seed, And reason govern that audacious flight Which heavenward they direct. -- Then droop not thou, Erroneously renewing a sad vow In the low dell 'mid Roslin's faded grove: A cheerful life is what the Muses love, A soaring spirit is their prime delight. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AMERICAN NAMES by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET THE RAVEN; A CHRISTMAS TALE, TOLD BY A SCHOOL-BOY by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE SONGS FOR THE PEOPLE by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER THE SHEPHEARDES CALENDER: APRIL by EDMUND SPENSER EYE-WITNESS by FREDERICK RIDGELY TORRENCE |