He only is exempt from failures who makes no efforts.
quote by Richard Whately
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Failures
When failures come, oh, do not fret;
For failures, you must not regret;
Through failures, one can turn perfect,
As failure isn’t a great defect!
Each failure gives us chance again;
Through failures, we have much to gain;
So, failures are a boon, not bane;
Yes, failures make a man much sane!
All cannot win in life always;
Set-backs do come to us some days;
With failures, one makes strong a base;
Our failures bestow bolder face!
With failures come, added wisdom;
’Tis hard to hold a large kingdom;
Failures in life are much welcome,
As successes will always come.
Failures help us to love God more;
Failures are winning signs in core;
Failures can open newer door;
Failures can take us to the fore!
Which man on earth had always won?
With rain, there comes a brighter sun;
With failures, one can have much fun;
Failures aid us to faster run!
Failures can help us fare better;
Failures aren’t man’s strongest fetter;
Failures are just a trend-setter;
Failures make us a win-getter!
By failures, one can stop awhile;
Through failures, you run longer mile;
Failures do not remain life’s bile;
Failures help us finish in style!
Failures help us see truth again;
Failures remove the pride and feign;
Failures help us take newer lane;
Failures help us win in the main!
Through failures, we begin again,
And success smiles, easing out pain!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 4-17-2010
poem by John Celes
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Efforts
I'll not make
Any special
Efforts to
Please you
If you get
Pleased by my
Usual efforts
I'll thank my luck
If my efforts
Displease you
I'll say
Hard Luck
And wish you
‘Better Luck'
With someone else's
Efforts
Though I know
You'll not go
Anywhere
And still
Cling to me,
Expecting me
To please you
With more
Concerted efforts
As if your pleasure
Has always depended
On my special efforts!
poem by Aparna Chatterjee
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Solomon on the Vanity of the World, A Poem. In Three Books. - Power. Book III.
The Argument
Solomon considers man through the several stages and conditions of life, and concludes, in general, that we are all miserable. He reflects more particularly upon the trouble and uncertainty of greatness and power; gives some instances thereof from Adam down to himself; and still concludes that All Is Vanity. He reasons again upon life, death, and a future being; finds human wisdom too imperfect to resolve his doubts; has recourse to religion; is informed by an angel what shall happen to himself, his family, and his kingdom, till the redemption of Israel; and, upon the whole, resolves to submit his inquiries and anxieties to the will of his Creator.
Come then, my soul: I call thee by that name,
Thou busy thing, from whence I know I am;
For, knowing that I am, I know thou art,
Since that must needs exist which can impart:
But how thou camest to be, or whence thy spring,
For various of thee priests and poets sing.
Hearest thou submissive, but a lowly birth,
Some secret particles of finer earth,
A plain effect which Nature must beget,
As motion orders, and as atoms meet,
Companion of the body's good or ill,
From force of instinct more than choice of will,
Conscious of fear or valour, joy or pain,
As the wild courses of the blood ordain;
Who, as degrees of heat and cold prevail,
In youth dost flourish, and with age shalt fail,
Till, mingled with thy partner's latest breath,
Thou fliest, dissolved in air and lost in death.
Or, if thy great existence would aspire
To causes more sublime, of heavenly fire
Wert thou a spark struck off, a separate ray,
Ordain'd to mingle with terrestrial clay,
With it condemn'd for certain years to dwell,
To grieve its frailties, and its pains to feel,
To teach it good and ill, disgrace or fame,
Pale it with rage, or redden it with shame,
To guide its actions with informing care,
In peace to judge, to conquer in the war;
Render it agile, witty, valiant, sage,
As fits the various course of human age,
Till, as the earthly part decays and falls,
The captive breaks her prison's mouldering walls,
Hovers awhile upon the sad remains,
Which now the pile or sepulchre contains,
And thence, with liberty unbounded, flies,
Impatient to regain her native skies?
Whate'er thou art, where'er ordain'd to go,
(Points which we rather may dispute than know)
Come on, thou little inmate of this breast,
Which for thy sake from passions'l divest
For these, thou say'st, raise all the stormy strife,
[...] Read more
poem by Matthew Prior
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getting over a failure (for Liza)
be attuned, there is no such
thing as a permanent failure,
there are only preludes
success even is temporary
how much for failures?
do not diminish yourself
failures are merely suspended
successes, be patient for
it is just but a matter of time
failures are but temporary guests
the uninvited ones whom you
can even dismiss at any time
but don't be too harsh upon
failures and upon yourself
like everyone else that you meet
give them time to speak and
be with you, they also have something
to say, though not nice, but there
is also so much to learn from them.
that ugly guy over there, welcome
him inside your house, serve him
tea and company, he has something
more important to say, than that
handsome man over there, who like
a magician, gives you only illusions.
sometimes what is more real
let me say this once, is failure.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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All dreams not come true###(in 500)
All dreams may not come true
All credits due may not accrue
But with true reflection in mind
Ideas newer and newer may emerge and find
though may not be the nature too so kind
Dreaming in day time is not at all good
Good thoughts and efforts work as food
Earnest efforts to come out of wood
Failure may stun and you loose the hope
Still not difficult to walk on tight rope
It is not bad to dream for high sky
Speak always truth and do not lie
You may not have wings to fly
Still nothing wrong to work and try
No need to think or needlessly cry
You must have third sense to rise
All acts should be sensible and wise
Rise and fall is part of the game
Goal and ideas you must frame
No use trying luck or fate to blame
What ever you do must be with resolve?
Take full blame and never try to absolve
Put in best efforts to come out and solve
Full dedication and make everybody to involve
Try to mix with all as soluble dissolve
Despite put in best efforts it may not materialize
Failure may be sure but we may not visualize
All draw backs reasons before us but can’t analyze
Complete system may run into trouble and paralyze
Still strive very hard to see the reason and synchronize
Complete days routine and reflections of day’s thoughts
In night, thoughts clash and hard won battles are fought
Freedom and joy sincerely thought and brought
Stealing in day time but not easily caught
Simply night dreaming when lying in the cot
Continue to seek solution in dream,
Energy not focused but travel in beam
Try very hard and work as team,
Good efforts in direction but not as power game
Not letting any opportunity with excuses lame
So I find easy way to seek refuge in night
Lie low and have good say without light
[...] Read more
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
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Unless And Until You Have Grasped The Essence Of The Self
Unless and until you have grasped the essence of the Self
Vain are all your efforts and like unseasonal rains,
You have wasted your human birth.
So what if you have taken a holy bath
Or offered twilight prayers and worship?
So what if you have stayed at home and given alms?
So what if you keep matted locks and smear ashes?
So what if you have plucked hair on your head?
Unless and until you have grasped the essence of the Self
Vain are all your efforts and like unseasonal rains,
You have wasted your human birth.
So what if you indulge in recitation, penance or go on a pilgrimage?
So what if you count beads and chant the holy name
So what if you put on at il ak or worship Tulsi?
So what if you drink the water of Ganga?
Unless and until you have grasped the essence of the Self
Vain are all your efforts and like unseasonal rains,
You have wasted your human birth.
So what if you speak of theVedas or grammar?
So what if you enjoy yourself and have a good time?
So what if you have grasped the distinctions
Between the six systems of philosophy?
So what if you have adhered to the distinction of caste?
Unless and until you have grasped the essence of the Self
Vain are all your efforts and like unseasonal rains,
You have wasted your human birth.
All these are worldly pursuits for filling one's belly
Until you have seen the absolutebr ahman.
Says Narsinh, without beholding the Essence
One wastes his birth precious asChi nt amani Jewel.
Unless and until you have grasped the essence of the Self
Vain are all your efforts and like unseasonal rains,
You have wasted your human birth.
poem by Narsinh Mehta
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The Politics Of Revelation Spinning Truth
down under in the lands of the kiwi and the kangaroo
wise men and women well do know an unwritten rule;
not to speak about 'religion or politics' in their pubs
where alcohol and tempers do met opinion rue speaks;
as alcohol freely flows intolerant fists can soon snow
truth can freely flow in literature in any characters wise
or characters unsavoury who may speak at wrong times;
policy of William Shakespeare is sometimes best used
prime characters timely tell truth exempt of retributions;
is the fool, a touchstone for truth, but even the fool must
think wisely use clever disguises in wise speech discretion
an insane King Lear is most useful in proving how foolish;
use of power in state political decisions threatens nations
unpopular truths have repercussions many including class;
types of beheadings in diverse forms suiting social justice
people in mass are ignorant if we live in clone societies
media is controlled half truths lies are policy in politics;
in big business truth wears political spin public masks
truth can be found more easily in biting political satire;
comic books cartoons code truth with exquisite flavours
truth is often hidden manipulated in silky webs of words
con artists may suffer consequences the long arm of law;
or purchase immunity get out of jail exemption from law
crimes of rich include vast fraud premeditated schemes;
white collar crime rare serves time like petty cash crimes
quality publications tell more truth than sensation tabloids
legalize law field jargon players spot kick truth for profit;
constitutions laws crafted for protection benefit of society
are swift circumvented by corporations tipping politicians;
good will is party contribution purchased back both parties
intelligence behind truth attempts to avoid conflict balance
society cultural interactions maintain restore world order;
problem is conflict reaps easy unjust rewards cheap spoils
major powers have region spheres of influence third world;
to reap politically redefined as developing world resources
bad grammar is believing rights of pawn countries count
balance of power was established to protect empire aims;
stirring up divide conquer conflicts carving up new spoils
is appealing feast option popular in reshaping world maps;
war is diplomacy by other means deception reaps rewards
research history working out pivotal defining moments
remember real truth is buried with shovels bulldozers;
[...] Read more
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Crow[n]ing Appreciation
CROW[N]ING APPRECIATION Kindly refer to notes
May this rhymed reel appreciation show
An insight into mind prismatic whose
Unrivalled aptitudes should make world news
Dare we delve deep beneath sweet surface glow.
Ever instincts’ sentinels tap flow,
Meditate on standards she pursues -
Awareness and autonomy won’t loose.
Undouted search from perch where most might crow
Dreaming on teaming, fearing fall below.
Excellence, integrity no excuse
MAy ever accept, though rigid rules are cues
Used more to guide than bind or keep in toe.
Destiny’s rejected. Free will traces
Extensive network independence chases.
Extensive network independence chases
Despises narrow minds, unwinds tall tales,
Upstanding and outstanding spirit sails
Across life’s story book, trumps adverse aces.
Methodical self-investiment finds its basis
Evident in channelled thought, hope hails
Delivery through conduct hale life’s gales
Untimely may withstand, reed storm blown braces
As wild winds pass, wind zephyr soft replaces.
Merit innate turns down bait, weighs on scales,
Efforts needed to succeed, ne’er pales.
DUe diligence here’s hallmark setting paces.
Age may not touch tomorrow’s fairest bride,
Much water flows beneath her bridges wide.
Much water flows beneath her bridges wide,
Awash with feelings, teeming through teamed dreams
Untroubled, which reward with joy whose streams
Defy misfortunes rippling on life’s tide.
Errors made are swiftly rectified.
Mehr licht, more light at tunnel’s end thus gleams,
Adding enchantment’s magic lantern beams.
United mind~emotions forward ride
Drive over preplanned schemes that thay deride,
Elect to let controls lapse, pick up steam.
MAid hand in hand safe haven meets, it seems,
Unshutters blinds love hampers, may divide.
Desire discovers doors at last unlock,
Efforts rewards may find through culture shock.
Efforts rewards may find through culture shock
Disturbing double-bind chains lasting years,
Universal language dries all tears,
[...] Read more
poem by Jonathan Robin
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An unstoppable gamble
It is unstoppable gamble now
I don’t know but it will work any how?
It is going ahead to maintain the lead
I don’t know where it will end or head
It is definitely in right direction
All moves suggest same action
Not facing any hurdle or reaction
Mostly agreed on it without any friction
It took almost no time not even fraction of second
I was determined to push any way and was very fond
It had to cut ice and yield the favorable result
I had enough of it in the form of insult
It wise step to take me to new height
I had thrown all my efforts with lots of weight
It was all that I could do or offer
There were many who did not side with me and differed
I had to contend with all my arguments
It was all nice but faced with critical moments
There was definite but calculated movement
If failed to materialize then it was to invite critical comments
I moved on with all probabilities
There were shot sure uncertainties
I was fully assured of out come from infinity
It was all there in the near vicinity
It needed final assault and near push
It did not require and hasty rush
It was to have final touch down
It was enterprise of nobody but of my own
You have ample opportunity to show and prove
You may find disfavor and they may disapprove
It has nothing to do with your efforts or strong zeal
The attempt is worthy and to be faced as real
“Come what may” and it may pave the way
The path may look straight open and lay
Make the foot prints on it and carve your future
Make it worth while and work it for sure
Why it will not succumb to your efforts or yield?
Why can’t you go for kill when open is field?
It has to have far reaching consequences
You can site many examples of such instances
[...] Read more
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
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In retrospect there were failures enough to go around. There were failures before the storm and failures after the storm.
quote by Jeff Sessions
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Sonnet- Success Will Come
Don't lose your heart if failures come with ease;
Build up courage and try again-succeed;
Let failures not disturb your mental peace;
Delayed if mirth is sure to well exceed.
Rewards may come to some in ways unknown;
Rewards may miss the truly talented;
Rewards may make a person sometimes clown;
All flowers aren't born to be well-scented.
Though failures come, our duty we must do;
Let Nature take its time and course it must;
Results could be very untoward too;
Our human eyes cannot avoid road-dust.
The patient man will soon succeed in life;
But one knows not, how long can last one's strife.
poem by John Celes
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We Were Talking
about failures and i told her
i am not afraid of failures
they do not kill me
they are but postponed successes
in our lives
that i am no longer bound by failures for long
that they do not harm me
that we are incharge and things and people harm us
only if we allow them
we are the kings of our thrones
our territories are within our grasp
we breathe and we give life to what is near us
we are the doors
and we only let in
those that we love and who can love us in return
we shut ourselves
from pain
and we make each pillar of our kingdoms
strong
we were talking about love
and we like to be silent from then on
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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Sonnet: Failures Too Bring Success
Just like how ocean’s waves all fall and rise,
Again, again incessantly, forev’r!
When failures come, remain we must most wise,
And try again, again but quit never.
The greatest men had failures too, much more;
Yet undeterred, they fought their way through them;
Recurrent failures could open new door;
Perseverance must be success emblem.
Learn from each failure but never look back;
Let world comment and mock, ’tis not for long;
But never do become lethargic/ slack;
No one predicts when rings your success gong!
Great men were dull once but never gave up;
Always in life, like a steed you gallop.
poem by John Celes
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You Should Be Teaching
What can be done,
About the failures taking place...
In a system that allows,
A disgrace of education?
With decaying schools teaching methods,
Archaic in presentation?
'Close them.
Just close them all down.
Until an admission of pretentions,
Has been faced without debate.
Why support mediocrity?
When that has been degraded.'
What can be done,
About the failures taking place...
In a system that allows,
A disgrace of education?
'Put a bulldozer to them quick.
Save the taxpayers dollars.
Since truth no one admits.
These institutions,
That put up with a lack of discipline.
With hallways crusted,
As disrespecting loud mouth children...
Are pampered and snuggled,
And tolerated as victims.
When victimization for them is 'in'.
Should be locked out and boot camped.
And made to bloom as rising stars.
Not weeds to be swept away in gutters! '
What can be done,
About the failures taking place...
In a system that allows,
A disgrace of education?
'That depends!
How do these scenes reflect the society?
And how can the people not see them...
Observe this,
Yet defend? '
Hey...
There are still people hooked on celebrating,
Holidays and histories created.
How can you break minds away from that?
[...] Read more
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Do you remember failures?
Are you asking me? Yes, I remember my failures
Lots and lots of failures in my life,
I look back again and remember these failures
And my God, how deeply was I hurt,
I cried on some of them,
When friends left when love was lost
When relatives did not give support
When I was all alone
When I finally rise again
And recovered from the past, when I learned
And met success again
When I have become stronger
Rising from every fall, recovering from every failure
I always remember them with fondness
The hurts diminishing, the blames now faint
As the new sound of success reverberates
Claiming new friendships and new approaches
And the comfort that life is like that
Success and failure? A seesaw that we really have to play.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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Failures-Pillars of success
When failure comes our way,
Our heart yearns to slam everything away,
The world around us seems so unfair,
It is intolerable and difficult to bear!
Tears ignore to take a halt,
And we think that it’s our entire fault.
The atmosphere around us does not seem gay,
Of hope, we don’t find a single ray,
We don’t even know what life will bring,
We feel like leaving everything,
No excuse, no alibi, no reason seems valid,
God’s kingdom itself seems invalid,
During failure, this is the case for everyone,
But through failures, we must always learn,
That we must not be in a mess,
For failures are the pillars of success.
And if you arise after you fall,
Be sure that you’ve hit the ball,
Because those who fear are nothing but cowards,
Everything to them seems difficult and hard,
Through failures, we realize the value of success,
And know that it does not have an easy access,
Because success is a peace of mind,
Such a self-satisfaction, you’ll never find!
poem by Niyati Sangoi
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The Task: Book IV. -- The Winter Evening
Hark! ‘tis the twanging horn o’er yonder bridge,
That with its wearisome but needful length
Bestrides the wintry flood, in which the moon
Sees her unwrinkled face reflected bright;—
He comes, the herald of a noisy world,
With spatter’d boots, strapp’d waist, and frozen locks;
News from all nations lumbering at his back.
True to his charge, the close-pack’d load behind,
Yet, careless what he brings, his one concern
Is to conduct it to the destined inn,
And, having dropp’d the expected bag, pass on.
He whistles as he goes, light-hearted wretch,
Cold and yet cheerful: messenger of grief
Perhaps to thousands, and of joy to some;
To him indifferent whether grief or joy.
Houses in ashes, and the fall of stocks,
Births, deaths, and marriages, epistles wet
With tears, that trickled down the writer’s cheeks
Fast as the periods from his fluent quill,
Or charged with amorous sighs of absent swains,
Or nymphs responsive, equally affect
His horse and him, unconscious of them all.
But O the important budget! usher’d in
With such heart-shaking music, who can say
What are its tidings? have our troops awaked?
Or do they still, as if with opium drugg’d,
Snore to the murmurs of the Atlantic wave?
Is India free? and does she wear her plumed
And jewell’d turban with a smile of peace,
Or do we grind her still? The grand debate,
The popular harangue, the tart reply,
The logic, and the wisdom, and the wit,
And the loud laugh—I long to know them all;
I burn to set the imprison’d wranglers free,
And give them voice and utterance once again.
Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast,
Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round,
And, while the bubbling and loud hissing urn
Throws up a steamy column, and the cups,
That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each,
So let us welcome peaceful evening in.
Not such his evening, who with shining face
Sweats in the crowded theatre, and, squeezed
And bored with elbow points through both his sides,
Outscolds the ranting actor on the stage:
Nor his, who patient stands till his feet throb,
And his head thumps, to feed upon the breath
Of patriots, bursting with heroic rage,
Or placemen, all tranquillity and smiles.
[...] Read more
poem by William Cowper
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Paradise Lost: Book 11
Undoubtedly he will relent, and turn
From his displeasure; in whose look serene,
When angry most he seemed and most severe,
What else but favour, grace, and mercy, shone?
So spake our father penitent; nor Eve
Felt less remorse: they, forthwith to the place
Repairing where he judged them, prostrate fell
Before him reverent; and both confessed
Humbly their faults, and pardon begged; with tears
Watering the ground, and with their sighs the air
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign
Of sorrow unfeigned, and humiliation meek.
Thus they, in lowliest plight, repentant stood
Praying; for from the mercy-seat above
Prevenient grace descending had removed
The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh
Regenerate grow instead; that sighs now breathed
Unutterable; which the Spirit of prayer
Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier flight
Than loudest oratory: Yet their port
Not of mean suitors; nor important less
Seemed their petition, than when the ancient pair
In fables old, less ancient yet than these,
Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha, to restore
The race of mankind drowned, before the shrine
Of Themis stood devout. To Heaven their prayers
Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious winds
Blown vagabond or frustrate: in they passed
Dimensionless through heavenly doors; then clad
With incense, where the golden altar fumed,
By their great intercessour, came in sight
Before the Father's throne: them the glad Son
Presenting, thus to intercede began.
See$ Father, what first-fruits on earth are sprung
From thy implanted grace in Man; these sighs
And prayers, which in this golden censer mixed
With incense, I thy priest before thee bring;
Fruits of more pleasing savour, from thy seed
Sown with contrition in his heart, than those
Which, his own hand manuring, all the trees
Of Paradise could have produced, ere fallen
From innocence. Now therefore, bend thine ear
To supplication; hear his sighs, though mute;
Unskilful with what words to pray, let me
Interpret for him; me, his advocate
And propitiation; all his works on me,
Good, or not good, ingraft; my merit those
Shall perfect, and for these my death shall pay.
Accept me; and, in me, from these receive
The smell of peace toward mankind: let him live
[...] Read more
poem by John Milton
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Paradise Lost: Book X
Thus they in lowliest plight repentant stood
Praying, for from the Mercie-seat above
Prevenient Grace descending had remov'd
The stonie from thir hearts, and made new flesh
Regenerat grow instead, that sighs now breath'd
Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer
Inspir'd, and wing'd for Heav'n with speedier flight
Then loudest Oratorie: yet thir port
Not of mean suiters, nor important less
Seem'd thir Petition, then when th' ancient Pair
In Fables old, less ancient yet then these,
Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha to restore
The Race of Mankind drownd, before the Shrine
Of Themis stood devout. To Heav'n thir prayers
Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious windes
Blow'n vagabond or frustrate: in they passd
Dimentionless through Heav'nly dores; then clad
With incense, where the Golden Altar fum'd,
By thir great Intercessor, came in sight
Before the Fathers Throne: Them the glad Son
Presenting, thus to intercede began.
See Father, what first fruits on Earth are sprung
From thy implanted Grace in Man, these Sighs
And Prayers, which in this Golden Censer, mixt
With Incense, I thy Priest before thee bring,
Fruits of more pleasing savour from thy seed
Sow'n with contrition in his heart, then those
Which his own hand manuring all the Trees
Of Paradise could have produc't, ere fall'n
From innocence. Now therefore bend thine eare
To supplication, heare his sighs though mute;
Unskilful with what words to pray, let mee
Interpret for him, mee his Advocate
And propitiation, all his works on mee
Good or not good ingraft, my Merit those
Shall perfet, and for these my Death shall pay.
Accept me, and in mee from these receave
The smell of peace toward Mankinde, let him live
Before thee reconcil'd, at least his days
Numberd, though sad, till Death, his doom (which I
To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse)
To better life shall yeeld him, where with mee
All my redeemd may dwell in joy and bliss,
Made one with me as I with thee am one.
To whom the Father, without Cloud, serene.
All thy request for Man, accepted Son,
Obtain, all thy request was my Decree:
But longer in that Paradise to dwell,
The Law I gave to Nature him forbids:
Those pure immortal Elements that know
[...] Read more
poem by John Milton
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Samson Agonistes (excerpts)
[Samson's Opening Speech]
A little onward lend thy guiding hand
To these dark steps, a little further on;
For yonder bank hath choice of sun or shade,
There I am wont to sit, when any chance
Relieves me from my task of servile toil,
Daily in the common prison else enjoin'd me,
Where I a prisoner chain'd, scarce freely draw
The air imprison'd also, close and damp,
Unwholesome draught: but here I feel amends,
The breath of Heav'n fresh-blowing, pure and sweet,
With day-spring born; here leave me to respire.
This day a solemn feast the people hold
To Dagon, their sea-idol, and forbid
Laborious works; unwillingly this rest
Their superstition yields me; hence with leave
Retiring from the popular noise, I seek
This unfrequented place to find some ease;
Ease to the body some, none to the mind
From restless thoughts, that like a deadly swarm
Of hornets arm'd, no sooner found alone,
But rush upon me thronging, and present
Times past, what once I was, and what am now.
O wherefore was my birth from Heaven foretold
Twice by an angel, who at last in sight
Of both my parents all in flames ascended
From off the altar, where an off'ring burn'd,
As in a fiery column charioting
His godlike presence, and from some great act
Of benefit reveal'd to Abraham's race?
Why was my breeding order'd and prescrib'd
As of a person separate to God,
Design'd for great exploits; if I must die
Betray'd, captiv'd, and both my eyes put out,
Made of my enemies the scorn and gaze;
To grind in brazen fetters under task
With this Heav'n-gifted strength? O glorious strength
Put to the labour of a beast, debas'd
Lower than bondslave! Promise was that I
Should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver;
Ask for this great deliverer now, and find him
Eyeless in Gaza at the mill with slaves,
Himself in bonds under Philistian yoke.
Yet stay, let me not rashly call in doubt
Divine prediction; what if all foretold
Had been fulfill'd but through mine own default,
Whom have I to complain of but myself?
Who this high gift of strength committed to me,
In what part lodg'd, how easily bereft me,
Under the seal of silence could not keep,
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poem by John Milton
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