INSCRIPTIONS
SUPPOSED TO BE FOUND IN AND NEAR A HERMIT'S CELL, 1818
I
INSCRIPTIONS
SUPPOSED TO BE FOUND IN AND NEAR A HERMIT’S CELL, 1818
HOPES what are they?–Beads of morning Strung on slender blades of grass; Or a spider’s web adorning In a strait and treacherous pass. What are fears but voices airy? Whispering harm where harm is not; And deluding the unwary Till the fatal bolt is shot! What is glory?–in the socket See how dying tapers fare! 10 What is pride?–a whizzing rocket That would emulate a star. What is friendship?–do not trust her, Nor the vows which she has made; Diamonds dart their brightest lustre From a palsy-shaken head. What is truth?–a staff rejected; Duty?–an unwelcome clog; Joy?–a moon by fits reflected In a swamp or watery bog; 20 Bright, as if through ether steering, To the Traveller’s eye it shone: He hath hailed it re-appearing– And as quickly it is gone; Such is Joy–as quickly hidden, Or mis-shapen to the sight, And by sullen weeds forbidden To resume its native light. What is youth?–a dancing billow, (Winds behind, and rocks before!) 30 Age?–a drooping, tottering willow On a flat and lazy shore. What is peace?–when pain is over, And love ceases to rebel, Let the last faint sigh discover That precedes the passing knell!