Shakespeare
Original Text:
Matthew Arnold, The Strayed Reveller, and Other Poems (London: B. Fellowes, 1849). B-11 2382 Fisher Rare Book Library (Toronto).
1Others abide our question. Thou art free.
2We ask and ask--Thou smilest and art still,
3Out-topping knowledge. For the loftiest hill,
4Who to the stars uncrowns his majesty,
5Planting his steadfast footsteps in the sea,
6Making the heaven of heavens his dwelling-place,
7Spares but the cloudy border of his base
8To the foil'd searching of mortality;
9And thou, who didst the stars and sunbeams know,
10Self-school'd, self-scann'd, self-honour'd, self-secure,
11Didst tread on earth unguess'd at.--Better so!
12All pains the immortal spirit must endure,
13All weakness which impairs, all griefs which bow,
14Find their sole speech in that victorious brow.
Publication Start Year:
1849
RPO poem Editors:
H. Kerpneck
RPO Edition:
3RP 3.201.
Rhyme:
Form: