| Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922. | | | | The Ancient Doctrine | | By Robert Browning (1812–1889) |
| | | O GOOD gigantic smile o’ the brown old earth, | |
| This autumn morning! How he sets his bones | |
| To bask i’ the sun, and thrusts out knees and feet | |
| For the ripple to run over in its mirth; | |
| Listening the while, where on the heap of stones | 5 |
| The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet. | |
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| That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; | |
| Such is life’s trial, as old earth smiles and knows. | |
| If you loved only what were worth your love, | |
| Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you: | 10 |
| Make the low nature better by your throes! | |
| Give earth yourself, go up for gain above! | | | | |
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