O THOU, whose stern command and precepts pure 
(Tho' agony in every vein should start, 
And slowly drain the blood-drops from the heart) 
Have bade the patient spirit still endure; 
Thou, who to sorrow hast a beauty lent, 
On the dark brow, with resolution clad, 
Illumining the dreary traces sad, 
Like the cold taper on a monument; 
O firm Philosophy! display the tide 
Of human misery, and oft relate 
How silent sinking in the storms of fate, 
The brave and good have bow'd their head and died. 
So taught by Thee, some solace I may find, 
Remembering the sorrows of mankind. 

Added: Mar 14 2005 | Viewed: 341 times | Comments (0)

Poet: William Lisle Bowles
Poem: III. O Thou, whose stern command and precepts pure...

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