Matthew Arnold (1822–88). The Poems of Matthew Arnold, 1840–1867. 1909.
Empedocles on Etna, and Other PoemsIndifference
I
Yet let me say that thou wert fair.
And they that lovely face who view,
They will not ask if truth be there.
Wounded by men, by Fortune tried,
Outwearied with their lonely parts,
Vow to beat henceforth side by side.
Their lot was but to weep and moan.
Ah, let them keep their faith sincere,
For neither could subsist alone!
Has charm’d at birth from gloom and care,
These ask no love—these plight no faith,
For they are happy as they are.
And garlands for their forehead weave.
And what the world can give, they take:
But they bring more than they receive.
To one demand alone are coy.
They will not give us love and tears—
They bring us light, and warmth, and joy.
Fair child! it was the bliss within.
Adieu! and say that one, at least,
Was just to what he did not win.