| Matthew Arnold (1822–88). The Poems of Matthew Arnold, 1840–1867. 1909. | | | | Empedocles on Etna, and Other Poems | | The World’s Triumphs |
| | [First published 1852. Reprinted in 1853, ‘54, ‘57.]
SO 1 far as I conceive the World’s rebuke | |
| To him address’d who would recast her new, | |
| Not from herself her fame of strength she took, | |
| But from their weakness, who would work her rue. | |
| ‘Behold,’ she cries, ‘so many rages lull’d, | 5 |
| So many fiery spirits quite cool’d down: | |
| Look how so many valours, long undull’d, | |
| After short commerce with me, fear my frown. | |
| Thou too, when thou against my crimes wouldst cry, | |
| Let thy foreboded homage check thy tongue.’— | 10 |
| The World speaks well: yet might her foe reply— | |
| ‘Are wills so weak? then let not mine wait long. | |
| Hast thou so rare a poison? let me be | |
| Keener to slay thee, lest thou poison me.’ | |
| | | Note 1. The World’s Triumphs Title] Sonnet 1852. Sonnets. VIII. The World’s Triumphs 1853. Sonnets. VII. The World’s Triumphs 1854, 1857. [back] | | |
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