WHY IS THIS ?

[ZaunköniG]

" WHY IS THIS ?"

How clearly an act when perform'd appears,
Tho' 't was obscurely view'd before ; the path
Once travers'd, whether seen through smiles or tears
Undimm'd is scann'd whatever phase it hath,

Presented again — wisdom would be brought,
Tho' slighted was before the plainest course,
Its offspring regret or surcharg'd remorse,
Why were not all evident measures sought?

When Pelias' sons consented their great sire,
Should return almost to primeval nought,
Conjecture did not guarding thoughts in spire
Of latent peril, secret foes unfought ;
If after-knowledge had been as the first
Would they have deplor'd life's mysteries —burst ?