The Reliquary By Bernard and Lucy Barton. With A Prefatory Appeal for Poetry and Poets |
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AN APOLOGUE FROM AN EASTERN POET. |
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| II. |
 | The Reliquary |  |
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AN APOLOGUE FROM AN EASTERN POET.
Two friends went into a garden of roses; both enjoyed the
fragrance; but one as he departed filled his bosom with the
leaves, and for days afterwards both he and his family rejoiced
in their odour. Which of these two spent the summer day most
wisely?
Saadi.
Doubtless he who in his bosom,
Fondly with him bore away,
In each odour-breathing blossom,
Fragrance for the future day.
Fondly with him bore away,
In each odour-breathing blossom,
Fragrance for the future day.
Copy his example, maiden!
In thy bright and balmy prime;
That thy spirit may be laden
With rich spoils for after-time.
In thy bright and balmy prime;
That thy spirit may be laden
With rich spoils for after-time.
She who present pleasure only,
Prizes—in life's joyous morn,
May be left bereaved and lonely
Ere its noon—at eve forlorn.
Prizes—in life's joyous morn,
May be left bereaved and lonely
Ere its noon—at eve forlorn.
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Beauty far beyond the rose's
Thought and feeling can impart;
Sweetness which no flower discloses
These can shed within the heart.
Thought and feeling can impart;
Sweetness which no flower discloses
These can shed within the heart.
Hive them, as thy hoarded treasure,
Virtue be their guide and guard;
So shalt thou partake the pleasure
Fabled by the Eastern bard!
Virtue be their guide and guard;
So shalt thou partake the pleasure
Fabled by the Eastern bard!
Peace and joy such wealth shall win thee,
And when outward cares are rife,
They shall prove a well within thee
Springing up to endless life!
And when outward cares are rife,
They shall prove a well within thee
Springing up to endless life!
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