Page:Poetical works (IA poeticalworks00grayrich).pdf/10
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
SONNET.
A lonely Man he was, from whom these lays
Flow'd in his cloister'd musings: He in scorn
Held them, the unfeeling multitude, who born
For deeds of nobler purpose, their ripe days
Waste amidst fraudful industry, to raise
Inglorious wealth.—But He, life's studious morn
Gave to the Muse, so best might he adorn
His thoughtful brow, with never-dying bays.
And well the Muse repay'd him. She hath given
An unsubstantial world of richer fee;
High thoughts, unchanging visions, that the leaven
Of earth partake not;—Rich then must he be,
Who of this cloudless world, this mortal heaven,
Possesseth in his right the Sovereignty.
Flow'd in his cloister'd musings: He in scorn
Held them, the unfeeling multitude, who born
For deeds of nobler purpose, their ripe days
Waste amidst fraudful industry, to raise
Inglorious wealth.—But He, life's studious morn
Gave to the Muse, so best might he adorn
His thoughtful brow, with never-dying bays.
And well the Muse repay'd him. She hath given
An unsubstantial world of richer fee;
High thoughts, unchanging visions, that the leaven
Of earth partake not;—Rich then must he be,
Who of this cloudless world, this mortal heaven,
Possesseth in his right the Sovereignty.