Hunt and Lee, comps. The Book of the Sonnet. 1867.
I. The Delights of Intellect UnperturbingCharles Tennyson (18081879)
V
But th’ intellect may rove a thousand ways,
And yet be calm while fluctuating so:
The dew-drop shakes not to its shifting rays
And transits of soft light. Be bold to choose
This never satiate freedom of delight,
Before the fiery bowl and red carouse,
And task for joy thy soul’s majestic might;
So for the sensual will be rarer need;
So will thy mind a giant force assume,
Strong as the centre of the deep Maelstroom,
When flung into the calm of sightless speed;
So wilt thou scorn on lowlier aims to feed,
And go in glory to a sage’s tomb.