Now learn, love, have, do, be the best; Each in one thing excel the rest: Strive; and hold fast this truth of heaven-- To him that hath shall more be given. Slow on your dial the shadows creep, So many hours for food and sleep, So many hours till study tire, So many hours for heart's desire. These suns and moons shall memory save, Mirrors bright for her magic cave; Wherein may steadfast eyes behold A self that groweth never old. O in such prime enjoy your lot, And when ye leave regret it not; With wishing gifts in festal state Pass ye the angel-sworded gate. Then to the world let shine your light, Children in play be lions in fight, And match with red immortal deeds The victory that made ring the meads: Or by firm wisdom save your land From giddy head and grasping hand: IMPROVE THE BEST; so shall your sons Better what ye have bettered once. Send them here to the court of grace Bearing your name to fill your place: Ye in their time shall live again The happy dream of Henry's reign: And on his day your steps be bent Where, saint and king, crowned with content, He biddeth a prayer to bless his youth With truth, and purity, mother of truth. 15 The north wind came up yesternight With the new year's full moon, And rising as she gained her height, Grew to a tempest soon. Yet found he not on heaven's face A task of cloud to clear; There was no speck that he might chase Off the blue hemisphere, Nor vapour from the land to drive: The frost-bound country held Nought motionable or alive, That 'gainst his wrath rebelled. There scarce was hanging in the wood A shrivelled leaf to reave; No bud had burst its swathing hood That he could rend or grieve: Only the tall tree-skeletons, Where they were shadowed all, Wavered a little on the stones, And on the white church-wall. --Like as an artist in his mood, Who reckons all as nought, So he may quickly paint his nude, Unutterable thought: So Nature in a frenzied hour By day or night will show Dim indications of the power That doometh man to woe. Ah, many have my visions been, And some I know full well: I would that all that I have seen Were fit for speech to tell.--