Rosemary and Pansies/A Poet's Optimism
A POET'S OPTIMISM
He who derives much happiness from life, Which here and there a favoured one may do, Should he look coldly on the seething strife Of the unfavoured mass who struggle through An ever-anxious and care-laden lot. And blandly thus address them, "Look at me And take example! Wherefore do you not Cease to complain and life's full glory see: I grant you seem most wretched; but in truth If you are so, why God and I can find Excellent reasons for it: in good sooth He who denies all's well is deaf and blind." Fine preaching! but methinks I've heard such lore From many a fat-paunched alderman before.