Among the Rocks
Oh, good gigantic smile o’ the
brown old earth,
This autumn morning! How
he sets his bones
To bask i’ the sun, and
thrusts out knees and feet
For the ripple to run over in
its mirth;
Listening the while,
where on the heap of stones
The white breast of the
sea-lark twitters sweet.
That is the doctrine, simple,
ancient, true;
Such is life’s trial, as
old earth smiles and knows.
If you loved only what were
worth your love,
Love were clear gain, and
wholly well for you:
Make the low nature
better by your throes!
Give earth yourself, go up for
gain above!
By Robert Browning
