Poem by Richard Chenevix Trench

To the Same (O dowered with a searching glance to see)

O dowered with a searching glance to see
Quite through the hollow masks, wherewith the bare
And worthless shows of greatness vizored are,
This lore thou hast, because all things to thee
Are proven by the absolute decree
Of duty, and whatever will not square
With that “prime wisdom,” though of seeming fair
Or stately, thou rejectest faithfully.
Till chidden in thy strength, each random aim
Of good, whose aspect heavenward does not turn,
Shrinks self-rebuked—thou looking kindliest blame
From the calm region of thine eyes, that burn
With tempered but continuous flashes bright,
Like the mild lightnings of a tropic night.

1. To the Same (Look, dearest, what a glory from the sun)
2. Sonnet (What good soever in thy heart or mind)
3. England (Peace, Freedom, Happiness, have loved to wait)
4. The Island of Madeira
5. England (We look for, and have promise to behold)

Print

1118 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version