The Poetical Works of (Richard Monckton Milnes) Lord Houghton | ||
196
II. THE EASTERN EPICUREAN.
You are moaning, “Life is waning,”
You are droning, “Flesh is weak:”
Tell me too, what I am gaining
While I listen, while you speak.
You are droning, “Flesh is weak:”
Tell me too, what I am gaining
While I listen, while you speak.
If you say the rose is blooming,
But the blast will soon destroy it,
Do so, not to set me glooming,
But to make me best enjoy it.
But the blast will soon destroy it,
Do so, not to set me glooming,
But to make me best enjoy it.
Calm the heart's insatiate yearning
Towards the distant, the unknown:
Only do so, without turning
Men to beasts, or flesh to stone.
Towards the distant, the unknown:
Only do so, without turning
Men to beasts, or flesh to stone.
Cry not loud, “The world is mad!
Lord! how long shall folly rule?”
If you've nothing but the sad
To replace the jovial fool.
Lord! how long shall folly rule?”
If you've nothing but the sad
To replace the jovial fool.
Sorrow is its own clear preacher,—
Death is still on Nature's tongue;—
Life and joy require the teacher,
Honour Youth and keep it young.
Death is still on Nature's tongue;—
Life and joy require the teacher,
Honour Youth and keep it young.
197
Even you, ascetics, rightly,
Should appreciate Love and Joy;—
For what you regard so lightly
Where's the merit to destroy?
Should appreciate Love and Joy;—
For what you regard so lightly
Where's the merit to destroy?
The Poetical Works of (Richard Monckton Milnes) Lord Houghton | ||