Classic Poem

I.

O N ! — from honour unto honour; (let nor praise nor pelf allure!)
Onwards, upwards be thy course, and let thy foot be firm and sure.

II.

There is Raffaelle still before thee; Titian, Michael, Rembrandt, all;
Now for a vigorous effort; knit thy sinews and thou shalt not fall.

III.

In thy land is Hogarth's glory; side by side with Reynolds' fame;
Much to spur thee, nought to daunt thee: — Dare ! and thou shalt do the same.

IV.

On the Earth are lands untrodden; (somewhere underneath the sun;)
Azure heights yet unascended; palmy countries to be won.

V.

In the Heart's diviner regions, there are thoughts that stir the soul,
Till it shoots the bounds of darkness, past where stars and planets roll.

VI.

In the cottage as the palace, in the clown as in the king,
Infinite endless passions reign, and with them change and conduct bring; —

VII.

Love, whose strength doth vanquish sorrow; Freedom, wealthy with his crust;
Truth the servant; Faith the martyr: Hope that soareth from the dust.

VIII.

Life in all its sunny aspects, — All the moods of vice and pain
Lie before thee: — Oh! be certain, nothing need be sought in vain.