IMPERFECTION

Not as the eye hath seen, shall we behold

Romance and beauty, when we've passed away;

That robed the dull facts of the intimate day

In life's wild raiment of unusual gold:

Not as the ear hath heard, shall we be told,

Hereafter, myth and legend once that lay

Warm at the heart of Nature, clothing clay

In attribute of no material mold.

These were imperfect of necessity,

That wrought thro’ imperfection for far ends

Of perfectness — As calm philosophy,

Teaching a child, from his high heav'n descends

To Earth's familiar things; informingly

Vesting his thoughts with that it comprehends.