Such ample visions, oft in alien air

Tamed to the measure of the common kind?

How hard for thee, swept on, for ever hurl'd

From hour to hour, bewilder'd and forlorn,

To move with clear eyes and with steps secure,

To keep the light within, to fitly scorn

Those all too possible and easy goals,

Trivial ambitions of soon-sated souls!

And, patient in thy purpose, to endure

The pity and the wisdom of the world.

Vain, vain such warning to those happy ears!

Disturb not their delight! By unkind powers

Doom'd to keep pace with the relentless Hours,

He, too, ere long, shall feel Earth's glory change;

Familiar names shall take an accent strange,

A deeper meaning, a more human tone;

No more pass'd by, unheeded or unknown,

The things that then shall be beheld through tears.

Yet, O just Nature, thou

Who, if men's hearts be hard, art always mild;

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