And some who quake for doubts they cannot quell,

And yet are brave? And some who smile in Hell

For thinking of the sin that was so sweet?

VIII.

I have been one who, in the glow of youth,

Have liv'd in books, and realised a bliss

Unfelt by misers, when they count and kiss

Their minted joys; and I have known, in sooth,

The taste of water from the well of Truth,

And found it good. But time has alter'd this.