An Introduction to the Study of Robert Browning's Poetry by Robert Browning
page 43 of 525 (08%)
page 43 of 525 (08%)
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Of what he was, by his wild talk alone,
You first collect how great a spirit he hid. Therefore set free the spirit alike in all, Discovering the true laws by which the flesh Bars in the spirit! . . . * * * * * I go to gather this The sacred knowledge, here and there dispersed About the world, long lost or never found. And why should I be sad, or lorn of hope? Why ever make man's good distinct from God's? Or, finding they are one, why dare mistrust? Who shall succeed if not one pledged like me? Mine is no mad attempt to build a world Apart from His, like those who set themselves To find the nature of the spirit they bore, And, taught betimes that all their gorgeous dreams Were only born to vanish in this life, Refused to fit them to this narrow sphere, But chose to figure forth another world And other frames meet for their vast desires, -- Still, all a dream! Thus was life scorned; but life Shall yet be crowned: twine amaranth! I am priest!" And again: -- "In man's self arise August anticipations, symbols, types Of a dim splendour ever on before, In that eternal circle run by life: |
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