XX.
And I was self-deceived, as many more
Before have been. Man estimates his power
By what he would do; and but little store
Can well be placed on this, what time the hour
Of trial approaches. For 'tis sadly true,
Man often cannot what he wills to do.
His strength is not so great as he had thought
It would be; and perchance, the hour of trial
Has come and gone, and quick defeat has brought,
Without his recognition. But denial
That it has come he dare not now put forth,
His plain defeat would make it little worth.
XXII.
And such defeat, unnoted and unseen
Till it had passed, has been my own to-day;
And, with a sense of mortified chagrin,
I turn me from the pleasing view away,
And in the busy city seek to find
A new diversion to engage my mind.
XXIII.
How pleasing are thy streets and avenues,
Toronto! And what massive buildings rise
Adorning them! I cannot now but choose
To speak my admiration. Yet it lies
Beyond my power to praise as others might,
More rich than I in words, this noble sight.
One mighty pile stands out pre-eminent
Among the rest—thy University,
So builded that itself will represent
Its purpose, and to see it is to be
Convinced, ere word of mouth so testifies,
That 'twas designed for classic purposes.