Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume VIII. National Spirit. 1904. | | | | I. Patriotism | | East, West, Home ’s Best | | Oliver Goldsmith (1730–1774) |
| | From “The Traveller”
AS some lone miser visiting his store, | |
| Bends at his treasure, counts, recounts it o’er; | |
| Hoards after hoards his rising raptures fill, | |
| Yet still he sighs, for hoards are wanting still: | |
| Thus to my breast alternate passions rise, | 5 |
| Pleased with each good that heaven to man supplies: | |
| Yet oft a sigh prevails, and sorrows fall, | |
| To see the sum of human bliss so small; | |
| And oft I wish, amidst the scene to find | |
| Some spot to real happiness consigned, | 10 |
| Where my worn soul, each wandering hope at rest, | |
| May gather bliss to see my fellows blest. | |
| But where to find that happiest spot below, | |
| Who can direct, when all pretend to know? | |
| The shuddering tenant of the frigid zone | 15 |
| Boldly proclaims that happiest spot his own, | |
| Extols the treasures of his stormy seas, | |
| And his long nights of revelry and ease; | |
| The naked negro, planting at the line, | |
| Boasts of his golden sands and palmy wine, | 20 |
| Basks in the glare, or stems the tepid wave, | |
| And thanks his gods for all the good they gave. | |
| Such is the patriot’s boast where’er we roam, | |
| His first, best country, ever is at home. | |
| And yet, perhaps, if countries we compare, | 25 |
| And estimate the blessings which they share, | |
| Though patriots flatter, still shall wisdom find | |
| An equal portion dealt to all mankind, | |
| As different good, by art or nature given, | |
| To different nations, makes their blessings even. | 30 | | | |
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