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Reuben and Other Poems

by Robert Leighton
Leighton, Robert (1822-1869)

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[Released at last! Released from agony!]
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REUBEN.
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ACT I.
 I. 
Scene I.
 II. 
Scene II.
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Scene III.
 IV. 
Scene IV.
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ACT II.
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Scene I.
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Scene II.
 III. 
Scene III.
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ACT III.
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Scene I.
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Scene II.
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Scene III.
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Scene IV.
 V. 
Scene V.
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ACT IV.
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Scene I.
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Scene II.
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ACT V.
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Scene I.
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Scene III.
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Scene VI.
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MISCELLANEOUS.
  
HOUSE-HUNTING.
  
SIR PETER'S CURE.
  
FORBIDDEN FRUIT.
  
THE ROOKERY.
  
THE WEASEL'S CAIRN.
  
THE LOTTERY TICKET.
  
THE WIDOW AND THE PRIEST.
  
SEVEN CHURCHES OF CLONMACNOISE.
  
THE NEGLECTED CANARY.
  
THE LAIRD OF BRETHERTON.
  
A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
  
A' BURDENS ARE LICHT, EXCEPT TO THE BEARER.
  
DRUMM'D OUT.
  
LONDON.
  
THE ALBUM.
  
SONNET.
  
STRATFORD-ON-AVON.
  
TO JANET,
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MUSINGS.
  
TO JANET,
  
SOLITUDE.
  
BOOKS AND THOUGHTS.
  
TOO MANY BOOKS.
  
INCENSE OF FLOWERS.
  
MIND'S SEASONS.
  
THE MYSTERY OF THOUGHT.
  
UNWITTING TRIBUTE.
  
LOGIC.
  
UNCLASSIC.
  
BEAUTY THE FLOWERING OF VIRTUE.
  
THE DANDELION.
  
THOUGHT SPRINGS.
  
USE OF BEAUTY.
  
SEEING.
  
HOPE'S ARGUMENT.
  
THE STREET SINGERS.
  
SELF-DENIAL.
  
FACT AND FICTION.
  
AT THE CHURCH DOOR.
  
PETTY PRIDE.
  
MASTER AND SERVANT.
  
IMAGINATION.
  
1861–62.
  
10TH MARCH, 1863.
  
5TH FEBRUARY, 1868.
  
LIVERPOOL.
  
SAILING UP THE FIRTH.
  
POET'S CORNER.

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250

USE OF BEAUTY.

To what end is it that the soul thus cleaves
To beauty; that around the meanest things
The semblances of higher thought it weaves,
Seeking to give them wings?
While lowly wants they cater, plate and jug
Give nectar and ambrosia through the eyes;
We needs must find, too, on footstool and rug,
Fruits, flowers, clouds and skies.
And what superfluous beauty in our ships,
Given with such lavish heart unto the waves!
We may not be without it: it equips
Our cradles and our graves.
So, too, with what unwearied, wasteful hand
Nature provides it for us, night and day!
All seasons bring it, sky and sea and land
Are giving it away.
And to what end? That we may be embued
With life that runs beyond the earthly goal;
For beauty is the everlasting food
That nourishes the soul.
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