As this world seems, I dare not say I know
—Apart from Christ's assurance which decides—
Whether I have not failed to taste much joy.
For many a doubt will fain perturb my choice—
Many a dream of life spent otherwise—
How human love, in varied shapes, might work
As glory, or as rapture, or as grace:
How conversancy with the books that teach,
The arts that help,—how, to grow good and great,
Rather than simply good, and bring thereby