Soon after John's death I listened to a music-box, and if, at any time, that event had seemed inconsistent with the beauty and har...mony of the universe, it was then gently constrained into the placid course of nature by those steady notes, in mild and unoffended tone echoing far and wide under the heavens. But I find these things more strange than sad to me. What right have I to grieve, who have not ceased to wonder? We feel at first as if some opportunities of kindness and sympathy were lost, but learn afterward that any pure grief is ample recompense for all. That is, if we are faithful; for a great grief is but sympathy with the soul that disposes events, and is as natural as the resin on Arabian trees. Only Nature has a right to grieve perpetually, for she only is innocent. Soon the ice will melt, and the blackbirds sing along the river which he frequented, as pleasantly as ever. The same everlasting serenity will appear in this face of God, and we will not be sorrowful if he is not.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
We feel at first as if some opportunities of kindness and sympathy were lost, but learn afterward that any pure grief is ample rec...ompense for all. That is, if we are faithful;Mfor a spent grief is but sympathy with the soul that disposes events, and is as natural as the resin of Arabian trees.--Only nature has a right to grieve perpetually, for she only is innocent. Soon the ice will melt, and the blackbirds sing along the river which he frequented, as pleasantly as ever. The same everlasting serenity will appear in this face of God, and we will not be sorrowful, if he is not.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
While he hears in every spring How the birds do chirp and sing:... Or before the hounds in cry See the hare go stealing by: Or along the shallow brook, Angling with a baited hook, See the fishes leap and play In a blessed sunny day:LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
So Lycidas sunk low, but mounted high Through the dear might of him that walk'd the waves,... Where other groves and other streams along With nectar pure his oozy locks he laves And hears the unexpressive nuptial song In the bless'd kingdoms meek of joy and love. There entertain him all the saints above In solemn troops and sweet societies, That sing, and singing in their glory move, And wipe the tears for ever from his eyes.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
I wander on, and wave my hands, And sing, and shake my heavy locks.... The grey wolf knows me; by one ear I lead along the woodland deer; The hares run by me growing bold.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Events, actions arise, that must be sung, that will sing themselves. Who can doubt, that poetry will revive and lead in a new age,... as the star in the constellation Harp, which now flames in our zenith, astronomers announce, shall one day be the pole- star for a thousand years?LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »