The poetical works of Henry Alford Fifth edition, containing many pieces now first collected |
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A DOUBT. (1832.) |
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 | The poetical works of Henry Alford |  |
A DOUBT. (1832.)
“Wisdom is ofttimes nearer when we stoop
Than when we soar.”
—Wordsworth.
Than when we soar.”
—Wordsworth.
I know not how the right may be:—
But I give thanks whene'er I see
Down in the green slopes of the West
Old Glastonbury's towered crest.
But I give thanks whene'er I see
Down in the green slopes of the West
Old Glastonbury's towered crest.
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I know not how the right may be:—
But I have oft had joy to see,
By play of chance my road beside,
The Cross on which our Saviour died.
But I have oft had joy to see,
By play of chance my road beside,
The Cross on which our Saviour died.
I know not how the right may be:
But I loved once a tall elm-tree,
Because between its boughs on high
That Cross was opened on the sky.
But I loved once a tall elm-tree,
Because between its boughs on high
That Cross was opened on the sky.
I know not how the right may be:—
But I have shed strange tears to see,
Passing an unknown town at night,
In some warm chamber full of light,
A mother and two children fair,
Kneeling with lifted hands at prayer.
But I have shed strange tears to see,
Passing an unknown town at night,
In some warm chamber full of light,
A mother and two children fair,
Kneeling with lifted hands at prayer.
I know not how it is—my boast
Of Reason seems to dwindle down;
And my mind seems down-argued most
By forced conclusions not her own.
Of Reason seems to dwindle down;
And my mind seems down-argued most
By forced conclusions not her own.
I know not how it is—unless
Weakness and strength are near allied;
And joys which most the spirit bless
Are furthest off from earthly pride.
Weakness and strength are near allied;
And joys which most the spirit bless
Are furthest off from earthly pride.
| The poetical works of Henry Alford | |