Minor Poems, including Napoleon | ||
266
MANHOOD.
I
The ripen'd corn which clothes in goldThe autumnal landscape round,
Is fair; as comely to behold
Is ripen'd Manhood found.
II
Hope to fruition now must yield,The joy of harvest nigh,
In all its plenteousness reveal'd
Before the gazer's eye.
III
If cultureless that soil had laid,What now could be its own,
Be what they might its light and shade,
But barrenness alone?
267
IV
Nor can mere Manhood bring to viewAught more to be enjoyed,
If the mind's spring and summer too
Have pass'd by unemployed.
V
Yet seed well sown, and ripe to reap,May profit fail to win;
Prudence no jubilee will keep,
Unknown the gathering in.
VI
When safe into the garner brought,The triumph is secure;
And then, alone, to grateful thought
The joy of harvest pure!
Minor Poems, including Napoleon | ||