Destiny does not always choose one way

Whereby with smooth, reposeful steps to bring

Happiness to us—mark the words I say—

For sometimes by unthought-of suffering,

In seeming far from pleasure and from joy,

It leads us to the blisses poets sing.

But come, good friend, thy memory employ

Upon the modest joys that Love once gave,

Pledges of victory without alloy.

And, if thou canst, a pastime seek, to save