Poems (Hardy)/Hyacynth; a child's character
HYACINTH; A CHILD'S CHARACTER
OFT have I seen the poet's word inspire
His waking soul, until before him seemed
To shine some glory from whose edge there streamed
Into his face foregleams of high desire
To be fulfilled. And I have seen, in fire
And forge of conflict shaped, his will that dreamed
Aforetime dallying with itself, redeemed
From slavery's threat and clothed in king's attire.
When he beheld the truth, he followed far
To grasp it for his own. It was no grief
To him that then he knew not why he sought;
Day after day brought gifts of joy, and star
On star the night prepared; so was he lief,
And glad to know, not knowing he was taught.
His waking soul, until before him seemed
To shine some glory from whose edge there streamed
Into his face foregleams of high desire
To be fulfilled. And I have seen, in fire
And forge of conflict shaped, his will that dreamed
Aforetime dallying with itself, redeemed
From slavery's threat and clothed in king's attire.
When he beheld the truth, he followed far
To grasp it for his own. It was no grief
To him that then he knew not why he sought;
Day after day brought gifts of joy, and star
On star the night prepared; so was he lief,
And glad to know, not knowing he was taught.