1. never

  • We never know how high we are

    We never know how high we are

    Till we are asked to rise

    And then if we are true to plan

    Our statures touch the skies —


    The Heroism we recite

    Would be a normal thing

    Did not ourselves the Cubits warp

    For fear to be a King —

  • We never know we go when we are going —

    We never know we go when we are going —

    We jest and shut the Door —

    Fate — following — behind us bolts it —

    And we accost no more —

  • Who never lost, are unprepared

    Who never lost, are unprepared

    A Coronet to find!

    Who never thirsted

    Flagons, and Cooling Tamarind!


    Who never climbed the weary league —

    Can such a foot explore

    The purple territories

    On Pizarro's shore?


    How many Legions overcome —

    The Emperor will say?...

  • Who never wanted — maddest Joy

    Who never wanted — maddest Joy

    Remains to him unknown —

    The Banquet of Abstemiousness

    Defaces that of Wine —


    Within its reach, though yet ungrasped

    Desire's perfect Goal —

    No nearer — lest the Actual —

    Should disentrall thy soul —