A noble resolution seems to be now formed, not to become morbid and
misanthropic; he will not "stiffen into stone:"[77] and this feeling
appears to sustain and animate the Poet throughout the remainder of his
loving tribute.
He admits that "barren faith and vacant yearning" are profitless; although
they may carry him in thought to the highest height of heaven, or to the
deepest depth of Death. And this being so, his upward glance only reveals
"Mine own phantom chanting hymns;"
or, gazing below, he sees
"The reflex of a human face."
His lost friend being, therefore, everywhere represented, he will try to
extract wisdom from the sorrow which he cannot exclude; though this be not
such wisdom as sleeps with Hallam.
"'Tis held that sorrow makes us wise"
is repeated in P. cxiii., 1.