The Poetry Corner

Wishing.

By Jean Ingelow

When I reflect how little I have done, And add to that how little I have seen, Then furthermore how little I have won Of joy, or good, how little known, or been: I long for other life more full, more keen, And yearn to change with such as well have run - Yet reason mocks me - nay, the soul, I ween, Granted her choice would dare to change with none; No, - not to feel, as Blondel when his lay Pierced the strong tower, and Richard answered it - No, - not to do, as Eustace on the day He left fair Calais to her weeping lit - No, - not to be, Columbus, waked from sleep When his new world rose from the charmd deep.