 | Household Verses |  |
44
SONNET,
TO A VALUED FRIEND AND EX-SENATOR.
“They also serve, who only stand
and wait.”
Milton.
There may be, must be moments,
honoured friend,
When, mindful of the past, thy patriot heart
Would in their generous labours bear a part,
Who on more public duties now attend.
Nor can I blame thee, if such thoughts should blend
With home's enjoyments, knowing well thou art
Unused from any toilsome path to start
Whose object is to bless mankind, or mend
Bear, then, in mind the poet's lofty line,
Chosen as my motto! 'Twas a noble thought,
With sentiments too elevating fraught,
To suffer HIM one moment to repine;
And good it is an English heart, like thine,
Should feel the calm its truth to Milton taught.
When, mindful of the past, thy patriot heart
Would in their generous labours bear a part,
Who on more public duties now attend.
Nor can I blame thee, if such thoughts should blend
With home's enjoyments, knowing well thou art
Unused from any toilsome path to start
Whose object is to bless mankind, or mend
Bear, then, in mind the poet's lofty line,
Chosen as my motto! 'Twas a noble thought,
With sentiments too elevating fraught,
To suffer HIM one moment to repine;
And good it is an English heart, like thine,
Should feel the calm its truth to Milton taught.
| Household Verses | |