New Zealand Verse/Licence
CXL.
Licence.
Much is forgiven to a soul in earnest,
Nor shall we carp at clicking heels on the rail,
When a bold leaper leaps his utmost height
With thundery rush, triumphing; nor complain
When bold Will Shakespeare or our Meredith,
All quivering with the heat and lust of the chase,
Strains out the thews of language to the bursting,
Sets the shy accent toppling on the verge
Of utmost music, poising perilously
Betwixt the gulfs; or slants the molten thought
Too generously, and flaws the golden mould;
For who achieves the impossible shall have grace.
Nor shall we carp at clicking heels on the rail,
When a bold leaper leaps his utmost height
With thundery rush, triumphing; nor complain
When bold Will Shakespeare or our Meredith,
All quivering with the heat and lust of the chase,
Strains out the thews of language to the bursting,
Sets the shy accent toppling on the verge
Of utmost music, poising perilously
Betwixt the gulfs; or slants the molten thought
Too generously, and flaws the golden mould;
For who achieves the impossible shall have grace.