Sir Marmaduke's Musings

I won a noble fame; But, with a sudden frown, The people snatched my crown, And, in the mire, trod down My lofty name. I bore a bounteous purse; And beggars by the way Then blessed me, day by day; But I, grown poor as they, Have now their curse. I gained what men call friends; But now their love is hate, And I have learned, too late, How mated minds unmate, And friendship ends. I clasped a woman’s breast,— As if her heart, I knew, Or fancied, would be true,— Who proved, alas! she too! False like the rest. I now am all bereft,— As when some tower doth fall, With battlement, and wall, And gate, and bridge, and all,— And nothing left. But I account it worth All pangs of fair hopes crossed— All loves and honors lost,— To gain the heavens, at cost Of losing earth. So, lest I be inclined To render ill for ill,— Henceforth in me instil, O God, a sweet good-will To all mankind.

Collection: 
English
Theodore Tilton

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