 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
The Soul's Opportunities
To every soul, howe'er obscure its birth,A boundless heritage is freely given;
The wealth, and beauty of the spacious earth,
And the bright glories of the starry heaven.
This goodly world, and all which it doth hold
Were for man's use, and pleasure too designed;
A school, in which he might his powers unfold,
His various faculties of heart and mind.
From such a school shall man go forth in vain,
Squandered in foolish play its precious hours?
Or from its lessons higher wisdom gain,
And nobler use of his immortal powers;
Till for an endless state he shall prepare,
And in an angel's bliss, and knowledge share.
Poem No. 736; date unknown
| Jones Very : The Complete Poems | |