O life! without thy chequered scene
Of right and wrong, of weal and woe,
Success and failure, could a ground
For magnanimity be found;
For faith, ‘mid ruined hopes, serene?
Or whence could virtue flow?
Pain entered through a ghastly breach
Nor while sin lasts must effort cease;
Heaven upon earth’s an empty boast;
But, for the bowers of Eden lost,
Mercy has placed within our reach
A portion of God’s peace.
Read all of William Wordsworth's poems · About William Wordsworth
More by William Wordsworth
- Memorials Of A Tour On The Continent, 1820 - XVI. - Scene On The Lake Of Brientz
- Memorials Of A Tour On The Continent, 1820 - XVII. - Engelberg, The Hill Of Angels
- Memorials Of A Tour On The Continent, 1820 - XVIII. - Our Lady Of The Snow
- Memorials Of A Tour On The Continent, 1820 - XX. - The Town Of Schwytz
- Memorials Of A Tour On The Continent, 1820 - XXI. - On Hearing The "Ranz Des Vaches" On The Top Of The Pass Of St. Gothard
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