Apology

The formal World relaxes her cold chain For One who speaks in numbers; ampler scope His utterance finds; and, conscious of the gain, Imagination works with bolder hope The cause of grateful reason to sustain; And, serving Truth, the heart more strongly beats Against all barriers which his labour meets In lofty place, or humble Life’s domain. Enough;--before us lay a painful road, And guidance have I sought in duteous love From Wisdom’s heavenly Father. Hence hath flowed Patience, with trust that, whatsoe’er the way Each takes in this high matter, all may move Cheered with the prospect of a brighter day.

1840.

In the editions of 1842, 1845, and 1850 the date “1840” follows this poem. It may have been written in that year.--ED.