University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
Blackberries

by William Allingham
 
 

expand section
expand section
collapse section
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section

[“There's daily need]

There's daily need
That we should feed;
But what are all your Arts indeed?
Pray who would brook
To lose his cook
Rather than not read Homer's book?”

140

Pig's tail and snout!
Here's truth, no doubt;
But topsy-turvy, inside-out.
The Needfullest,
Is that the Best?
Your guts in modest cave should rest!
Who binds up dung
Sweet flowers among?
Are frying-pans as pictures hung?—
Eat, drink, your fill,
Gain strength and will;
If need be, take a draught or pill;
And if some power
In lucky hour
Shall make you feel the heavenly dower
That Genius brings
On mystic wings
To light the world of common things,—
Poor dolt! at least
Mock not the feast
Which proves you are not all a beast.
Be humble,—nay
Kneel down and say
“Thank Heaven for one true glimpse to-day!”