Remonstrance

Remonstrance

Original Text
J. J. Sylvester, The Laws of Verse or Principles of Versification Exemplified in Metrical Translations (London: Longmans, Green, 1870): 87-88. LaEG S985k Robarts Library
1Oh! why those narrow rules extol?
2    These but restrain from ill,
3True virtue lies in strength of soul
4    And energy of will.
5To all that's great and high aspires,
6    Prompts to the path of fame
8    And wraps the soul in flame.
9With brow erect, eye undismayed
10    Confronts the midday sun,
11Nor sleeps inglorious in the shade
12    Of praises cheaply won;
13Scans not too curiously the chance
14    Of good or evil fate,
15But with a free and fearless glance
16    Knocks at Hope's, golden gate;
17The truthful course pursues and knows
18    By Heaven-imparted light,
19And scorns to shape to outward shows
20    Its conscious sense of right.
21Still, while it renders Reason's name
22    The meed of honour due
23Forgets not sacred instincts claim
24    Their share of reverence too.
25The frown of unjust censure braves,
26    Retreats not with the tide,
27But nobly stems and stills the waves
28    Of prejudice and pride.

Notes

7] Prometheus stole fire from the Classical gods to enable humans to found civilization. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1870
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
2001
Rhyme