Sonnet. The Strayed Reveller, and Other Poems. Matthew Arnold. 1909. The Poems of Matthew Arnold, 1840-1867

Matthew Arnold (1822–88). The Poems of Matthew Arnold, 1840–1867. 1909.

The Strayed Reveller, and Other Poems

Sonnet


[Greek] [First published 1849. Reprinted 1853, ’54, ’57.] ONE lesson, Nature, let me learn of thee,
One lesson 1 that in every wind is 2 blown,
One lesson of two duties serv’d in one, 3
Though the loud world proclaim their enmity—
Of Toil unsever’d from Tranquillity:	5
Of Labour, that in still advance 4 outgrows
Far noisier 5 schemes, accomplish’d in Repose,
Too great for haste, too high for rivalry.
Yes, while on earth a thousand discords ring,
Man’s senseless uproar 6 mingling with his toil,	10
Still do thy sleepless ministers move on,
Their glorious tasks 7 in silence perfecting:
Still working, blaming 8 still our vain turmoil;
Labourers that shall not fail, when man is gone.

Note 1. 1, 2 One lesson] Two lessons 1849. [back]

Note 2. is] are 1849. [back]

Note 3. Two blending duties, harmonis’d in one, 1849. [back]

Note 4. still advance] one short hour 1849. [back]

Note 5. Far noisier] Man’s noisy 1849. [back]

Note 6. senseless uproar] weak complainings 1849. [back]

Note 7. tasks] course 1849. [back]

Note 8. blaming] chiding 1849. [back]