Poems (Barrett)/Cheerfulness Taught by Reason
CHEERFULNESS TAUGHT BY REASON.
I think we are too ready with complaint In this fair world of God's. Had we no hope Indeed beyond the zenith and the slope Of yon grey blank of sky, we might be faint To muse upon eternity's constraint Bound our aspirant souls. But since the scope Must widen early, is it well to droop, For a few days consumed in loss and taint?O pusillanimous Heart, be comforted,—And, like a cheerful traveller, take the road—Singing beside the hedge. What if the bread Be bitter in thine inn, and thou unshod To meet the flints?—At least it may be said, "Because the way is short, I thank Thee, God!"