The Reluctant Guest

THE RELUCTANT GUEST Not proof against the pricks disdained By the broad impact of petty phil- Osophy, but sundered when our passions rained Over our heads, when wish invaded will, I am part neighbour in this shire of doubt, That keeps me tenant on the promised crowd Which you waggishly say will never rout The insane longing to impact with loud Music the harmony of sense. Yet I fear The submerged faculty of my wavering power Is grief to you, a crutch for every tear, That springs between us, to endower Your raving optimist’s cry that you’re a help, To such as me, a miserable poor whelp.