XLVIII.

By this misled too low things men have proved,

And too high; beasts and angels have been loved:

This ape, though else th'rough vain, in this was wise;

He reached at things too high, but open way

There was, and he knew not she would say Nay.

His toys prevail not; likelier means he tries;

He gazeth on her face with tear-shot eyes,

And uplifts subtlely, with his russet paw,

Her kid-skin apron without fear or awe

Of Nature; Nature hath no jail, though she hath law.

Specimens with Memoirs of the Less-known British Poets, Volume 1 · 第 255 / 326 题