DESIRE AND POSSESSION
What strange necessity compels mankind
To yearn for objects not to be attained?
To all their benefits and blessings blind
Nothing will please bat what can ne'er be gained,
Or which when gained will give but little pleasure,
Like a child's toy, the plaything of an hour,
Then cast aside, no longer thought a treasure—
Reach them or reach them not, the grapes are sour:
This all men prove, and yet by proof untaught.
For ever chase new objects of desire,
Whose unsubstantial value's but in thought,
And whose huge cost beggars the foolish buyer:—
To yearn for objects not to be attained?
To all their benefits and blessings blind
Nothing will please bat what can ne'er be gained,
Or which when gained will give but little pleasure,
Like a child's toy, the plaything of an hour,
Then cast aside, no longer thought a treasure—
Reach them or reach them not, the grapes are sour:
This all men prove, and yet by proof untaught.
For ever chase new objects of desire,
Whose unsubstantial value's but in thought,
And whose huge cost beggars the foolish buyer:—
Yet are they not in seeming folly wise.
Since in the chase at least some pleasure lies?
Since in the chase at least some pleasure lies?