Thomas Hardy
A Young Man’s Exhortation
Call off your eyes from care
By some determined deftness; put forth joys
Dear as excess without the core that cloys,
       &nbsp And charm Life’s lourings fair.

Exalt and crown the hour
That girdles us, and fill it full with glee,
Blind glee, excelling aught could ever be
       &nbsp Were heedfulness in power.

Send up such touching strains
That limitless recruits from Fancy’s pack
Shall rush upon your tongue, and tender back
       &nbsp All that your soul contains.

For what do we know best?
That a fresh love-leaf crumpled soon will dry,
And that men moment after moment die,
       &nbsp Of all scope dispossest.

If I have seen one thing
It is the passing preciousness of dreams;
That aspects are within us; and who seems
       &nbsp Most kingly is the King.