Thomas Gray

Hard Unkindness' alter'd eye,
That mocks the tear if forced to flow.

Hard Unkindness' alter'd eye,
That mocks the tear if forced to flow.

The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power,
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,
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The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power,
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,
Await alike th' inevitable hour,
The paths of glory lead but to the grave.

Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

Tho' he inherit
Not the pride, nor ample pinion,
That the Theban eagle bear,
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Tho' he inherit
Not the pride, nor ample pinion,
That the Theban eagle bear,
Sailing with supreme dominion
Thro' the azure deep of air.

Grim-visaged, comfortless despair.

Grim-visaged, comfortless despair.