Page:Poems Sigourney 1827.pdf/137

Rh  Knowledge yields his lofty fruit To those who climb with toil, But Heaven's pure plant strikes deepest root Where tears have dew'd the soil.

Hope with flow'rets strews the blast When adverse winds arise, Pleasure's garlands wither fast Before inclement skies, Knowledge often mocks pursuit, Involved in mazy shade, But Piety yields richer fruit When earthly harvests fade.

 

In vain the heart that goes astray From Virtue's seraph-guarded way,— May hope that feelings just and free, Meek peace,—or firm integrity,— Or innocence, with snowy vest Will condescend to be its guest.— —As soon within the viper's cell Might pure and white-wing'd spirits dwell,— As soon the flame of vivid gleam Glow in the chill and turbid stream;— For by strong links, a viewless chain Connects our wanderings with our pain, And Heaven ordains it thus, to show That bands of vice, are bonds of wo.