Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/583

 481. Late Wisdom

We've trod the maze of error round, Long wandering in the winding glade; And now the torch of truth is found, It only shows us where we strayed: By long experience taught, we know— Can rightly judge of friends and foes; Can all the worth of these allow, And all the faults discern in those.

Now, 'tis our boast that we can quell The wildest passions in their rage, Can their destructive force repel, And their impetuous wrath assuage.— Ah, Virtue! dost thou arm when now This bold rebellious race are fled? When all these tyrants rest, and thou Art warring with the mighty dead?

482. A Marriage Ring

The ring, so worn as you behold, So thin, so pale, is yet of gold: The passion such it was to prove— Worn with life's care, love yet was love.