Rosemary and Pansies

2The salvage of vanished years, 3The record of moods passed by, 2Vain laughter and vainer tears, 3A smile followed fast by a sigh.

Ah yes! I own much contradiction's here, And thought perchance not wholly sound or clear; But youth with manhood's inconsistent still, And manhood mocks at age's cautious chill: Enough if through the whole there runs the thread Of a soul resolved where conscience loads to tread.

"There's rosemary for you, that's for remembrance: pray, love, remember: and there's pansies, that's for thoughts" Hamlet, Act iv. Scene 4

I thought, old friend, a better gift to bring Than this poor garland, rather weeds than flowers, Not the rich product of calm leisured hours. But such as I from toil and haste could wring; Yet take it, since 'tis something of mine own. That bears at least the stamp of thought sincere. Which from no consequence recoils in fear. But seeks for truth unveiled—and truth alone.

Like yours it is my greatest happiness To delve within the ancient mines of gold And disinter from dust, decay, and mould. Long-buried treasures held in time's duresse; But here, a modern of the modern time, A spirit that questions all is in my rhyme.

All Nature's mirrored in the poet's eye, Wherein the pageant of the Universe Reflects itself in all its wondrous beauty, That he may set forth its sublimity, The unity beneath its transmutations, And shew his less imaginative fellows Something of that great vision he beholds. He gazes steadily at all things human, Ever intent to find the harmony Which underlies life's many seeming discords. He is an alchemist whose art indeed Transmutes base metal into shining gold, And in his brain's laboratory turns Thought's star-dust into worlds of light and splendour. He works more transformations than the gods Of Greece were feigned in fable to accomplish: From common things he lifts the veil which hides Their inner mystery from the eyes of men, And everywhere reveals the infinite. 'Tis he alone through whom the immanent spirit That all creation vivifies and sustains Proclaims its oracles of deepest wisdom.