Classic Poem

Three words of significant meaning there are
In the mouths of the wisest and best,
Yet vainly they echo, like tones from afar,
And yield no assistance or rest,
Man forfeits the fruits he could lightly attain
If after impalpable shadows he strain.

So long as he pictures a glorious age,
Rejoicing in honour and right—
Those gifts will assuredly combat engage
With a foe who for ever will fight.
Thou must at him in air, for a contact with earth
Supplies to his force a regenerate birth.

So long as he thinks that success will attend
On nobility's conduct and aims—
He will find that she looks upon wrong as a friend,
That the world what is worthy disclaims.
A wanderer he, and his duty to roam
To discover elsewhere an immutable home.

So long as he dreams that the reason of man
Can with absolute verities close—
He will find an abyss which no mortal can span;
We can but assume and suppose.
In a word, it is true, thou canst prison the mind,
But it surges away on the wings of the wind.

Then hasten thy soul from illusions to wean,
And a higher religion endue!
What the ear never heard, and the eye has not seen
Remains what is lovely and true!
It is not abroad, as the foolish contends,
'Tis within, and upon thine own ardour depends.