The world denies that Thou art fair; 1827.
TO ——
Composed 1824.—Published 1827
[Written at Rydal Mount. To Mrs. W.—I. F.]
One of the "Poems founded on the Affections."—Ed.
O dearer far than light and life are dear,
Full oft our human foresight I deplore;
Trembling, through my unworthiness, with fear
That friends, by death disjoined, may meet no more!
Misgivings, hard to vanquish or control, 5
Mix with the day, and cross the hour of rest;
While all the future, for thy purer soul,
With "sober certainties" of love is blest.[379]
That sigh of thine,[380] not meant for human ear,
Tells[381] that these words thy humbleness offend; 10
Yet bear me up[382]—else faltering in the rear
Of a steep march: support[383] me to the end.
Peace settles where the intellect is meek,
And Love is dutiful in thought and deed;
Through Thee communion with that Love I seek: 15
The faith Heaven strengthens where he moulds the Creed.