Glimpses of Antiquity Being a collection of metrical sketches, in the form of ballads, lyrics, &c., with main reference to mediaeval times or classical subjects. By George F. Preston [i.e. J. B. L. Warren] |
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 | Glimpses of Antiquity |  |
24
SONG OF THE GRACES.
One even course of rule and right;
Clear virtue's beauty clean from flaw;
The staid proportion of a life
That hinges by one steadfast law;
Clear virtue's beauty clean from flaw;
The staid proportion of a life
That hinges by one steadfast law;
All joys unfevered by regret,
A goading itch for change unblest,
Or fierce desire, whose aching fret
Drains passion dregs of deep unrest!
A goading itch for change unblest,
Or fierce desire, whose aching fret
Drains passion dregs of deep unrest!
O'er that which seeks another's good,
Pure self-denial, prideless, true,
Whose glories hardly understood,
Lie veiled to grosser mortals' view.
Pure self-denial, prideless, true,
Whose glories hardly understood,
Lie veiled to grosser mortals' view.
O'er these we reign, and graceful duty,
The balanced heart, the equal mind,
Refining with their inward beauty
The social life of all mankind;
The balanced heart, the equal mind,
Refining with their inward beauty
The social life of all mankind;
25
The hearth, and household joys and cares,
The circle of a peaceful home;
With gentle love that often wears
A semblance of high things to come;
The circle of a peaceful home;
With gentle love that often wears
A semblance of high things to come;
Music and arts, the gift of song;
We temper each in each degree;
Naked and bare, unknowing wrong,
Fast linked together, sisters three.
We temper each in each degree;
Naked and bare, unknowing wrong,
Fast linked together, sisters three.
Nor fear the venom'd slander sting
In our vast innocence secure;
We touch with gold each homely thing,
Well-workers undisguised and pure!
In our vast innocence secure;
We touch with gold each homely thing,
Well-workers undisguised and pure!
| Glimpses of Antiquity | |