27.12.2010, 11:50
TO A FRIEND
My low deserts consist not with applause
So kindly—when I fain would deem it so,
My sad heart, musing on its proper flaws,
Thy gentle commendation must forego ;
As toys, which, glued together, hold awhile,
But, haply brought too near some searching fire.
Start from their frail compacture, and beguile
The child, that pieced them, of his fond desire :
I was a very child for that brief tide,
Whenas I join'd and solder'd thy good word
With my poor merits—'twas a moment's pride —
The flames of conscience sunder'd their accord :
My heart dropt off in sorrow from thy i)raise.
Self-knowledge baulk'd self-love so many ways.
My low deserts consist not with applause
So kindly—when I fain would deem it so,
My sad heart, musing on its proper flaws,
Thy gentle commendation must forego ;
As toys, which, glued together, hold awhile,
But, haply brought too near some searching fire.
Start from their frail compacture, and beguile
The child, that pieced them, of his fond desire :
I was a very child for that brief tide,
Whenas I join'd and solder'd thy good word
With my poor merits—'twas a moment's pride —
The flames of conscience sunder'd their accord :
My heart dropt off in sorrow from thy i)raise.
Self-knowledge baulk'd self-love so many ways.