Richard M on Ck to N Milnes,Lord Houghton[1809-1885]Sonnet
¶BECAUSE the Few with signal virtue crowned,The heights and pinnacles of human mind,Sadder and wearier than the rest are found,Wish not thy Soul less wise or less refined.True that the small delights which every dayCheer and distract the pilgrim are not theirs;[1058]True that, though free from passion's lawless sway,A loftier being brings severer cares.Yet have they special pleasures, even mirth,By those undreamt of who have only trodLife's valley smooth; and if the rolling earthTo their nice ear have many a painful tone,They know, Man does not live by Joy aloneBut by the presence of the power of God .